What is what should you do when it is no longer safe to be inside a structure?

When it is no longer safe to be inside a structure due to events like earthquakes, fires, or structural collapses, your immediate priority is to evacuate safely and quickly. Here's what you should do:

• Assess the Situation: Quickly evaluate why it's unsafe. Is there a fire, gas leak, structural damage, or other imminent threat? This will influence your evacuation strategy.

• Alert Others: If safe to do so, warn others in the building by shouting or activating alarm systems. Prioritize those who may need assistance.

• Evacuate Immediately: Don't hesitate or delay. Time is of the essence.

• Follow Evacuation Routes: If you are familiar with the building's evacuation routes, such as emergency exits, use them. If you are unsure, look for signs or follow the directions of emergency personnel. Try to keep calm, avoid panic, and move swiftly but carefully.

• Stay Low If Necessary: In the event of a fire, smoke rises. Stay low to the ground where the air is clearer and cooler.

• Cover Your Mouth and Nose: If there is smoke or debris in the air, use a cloth, shirt, or other material to cover your mouth and nose to protect your lungs.

• Assist Others: If you're able, assist those who may need help, such as children, the elderly, or people with disabilities. But don't put yourself at excessive risk.

• Avoid Elevators: Always use stairs during an emergency evacuation. Elevators can malfunction or become traps.

• Feel Doors Before Opening: Before opening a door, feel it with the back of your hand. If it's hot, don't open it. Find another escape route.

• Move Away from the Building: Once outside, move a safe distance away from the building to avoid falling debris or further collapse.

• Call for Help: After you are at a safe distance, call emergency services (e.g., 911 or your local emergency number) and provide them with information about the situation.

• Do Not Re-enter: Never re-enter the building until emergency personnel have declared it safe to do so.

Important concepts:

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• Emergency%20services
• Structural%20damage