Surviving an Explosion

We’ve seen it happen all too often – terrorists using explosive devices.

When an explosion happens, it can be nerve-wracking. The sounds of the bomb, shattering glass, the rocking of buildings and the screams of people can render you immobile.

But that’s the one thing you don’t want to be in an explosion – paralyzed by fear and confusion. When there’s an explosion, it’s the pressure of the object you’re hit with that can injure or kill you.

Projectiles and shrapnel fly through the air with rapid force. In the event of an explosion, the first thing you should do is take cover – especially if the place you were in took the direct hit.

You don’t know if there’s going to be a second explosion where you are, and you might not be able to see through the dust and chaos to know whether or not the responsible party is waiting to pick off survivors.

Everyone’s instinct is to run from explosions but how you run away from the event does matter. Keep your head down and make tracks until you reach a place that’s going to offer you some protection.

If you’re inside a building that was weakened by an explosion, you must get out because the building could collapse. But don’t make the mistake of running right out in the open. Keep yourself close to other buildings and stay down to make yourself less visible as a target. Head for another building if you can and look for the strongest point of the building.

If you can’t escape the building that you’re in, find the strongest point of the place that you’re in. You must keep calm and not panic if you want to survive. Panic after chaos works against people.

If you’re with a group of others, try to make sure everyone remains calm and works together. For those who are injured, set up a triage area to make sure they get help first. If you’re injured, take care of your injuries or get help. Your chances of surviving a chaotic explosion lessen if you pass out from injuries or loss of blood.

Locate the exits if you’re inside a home or building so you’ll know how to get out when you’re ready.

If you can’t get out, once you get to a safe point in the building, do not go near the doors or any of the windows. If you’re inside an office building and there’s an explosion, the debris and fire could cause secondary injuries.

You’ll want to cover your mouth using whatever is handy so that you’re not breathing in that dust or anything that could have been associated with a biochemical attack. Once you’re in a safe place, remain under cover until you know for sure it’s okay to leave.