Chapter 9 · Urban survival
Quick sheet: urban emergencies
| Situation | First steps |
|---|---|
| Blackout | Check the breakers; report to your electric company; don't open the refrigerator; unplug appliances; generator only outside, more than 20 feet (6 m) away. |
| No water | Report to your water utility; close your valve if there's a leak; use your reserve: 1 gallon (3.8 L) per person per day, plus pets. |
| Boil water notice | Rolling boil for 2 minutes; boiled or bottled water for drinking, cooking, ice, teeth, pets. |
| Fire | Yell, get out, touch doors with the back of your hand, stay low, close doors, call 911 from outside, don't go back. |
| Gas smell | Get out without touching switches, leave the door open, call 911 and your gas company from a distance. |
| Active shooter | Run, hide, fight. Hands visible when police arrive. |
| Trapped in the car in a freeze | Stay inside; run the engine 10 min per hour; keep the tailpipe clear; crack a window. |
| Evacuation | Bags, pets, documents; notify your contact; official routes; your state's road conditions website. |
