Emergency Preparedness & Response

Planning Pointers individual

DangerDeserting

What to do if you’re forced to evacuate

Natural disasters and extreme weather pose a significant threat. No one is invulnerable to such events, and even if the idea of evacuating your home seems unlikely, preparing for evacuation can ensure calmer heads prevail in the case of adverse situations like natural

Ready.govdisasters.

is a public service campaign that was established in February 2003 to help people prepare for, respond to and mitigate various types of emergencies, including natural disasters. The campaign notes that many types of emergencies can necessitate evacuation, and offers the following tips to individuals who have been told evacuation is their best option.

• Download the FEMA app. The FEMA app is an invaluable resource for individuals facing evacuation. The app, which is available for download through the Google Play store as well as the Apple App Store, provides a host of important information, including a list of open shelters for individuals living in areas where officials are urging residents to evacuate.

• Follow local evacuation instructions. Everyone has seen images of individuals stranded in areas that have been overtaken by flooding or destroyed by storms like hurricanes and tornados. Staying in place when evacuation orders have been issued puts your own life at risk as well as the lives of those who may attempt to help you, such as public safety officials. Many local public safety organizations will not send workers to help stranded citizens if the conditions pose a threat to the workers, which underscores how important it is that individuals evacuate when orders are issued.

• Don’t delay. The longer individuals wait to evacuate, the more risky the situation becomes. Ready.gov urges individuals to leave early enough to avoid being trapped by severe weather. Even if the storm is not scheduled to touch down for awhile, getting caught in lastminute traffic could put evacuees in harm’s way. When you begin to evacuate, stick to the recommended evacuation routes, as alternative routes may be closed.

• Respect shelter pet policies. Evacuees who hope to stay in shelters must recognize that only service animals will be allowed in public shelters. Evacuees should still take their pets

with them but should make arranging shelter for their companion animals part of their emergency strategy. Speak with friends or family members who live nearby but beyond the eye of the storm to determine if they can take in your pets should you be forced to evacuate your home.

• Secure your home. Prior to evacuating, secure your home by locking doors and windows and unplugging electrical equipment like radios, televisions and small appliances. Pay attention to evacuation order details, which may advise residents to shut off water, gas and electricity before leaving their homes.

• Stay in touch. Do your best to stay in touch with friends and family once you have evacuated your home. Let others know where you are going and inform them once you have arrived at your destination. In the days prior to evacuating, forward a copy of your evacuation plan to family members in other regions but also those who live locally so they can follow suit if need be. Few people want to imagine evacuating their homes. Such a scenario can be frightening, but it’s considerably less daunting when individuals know what to do and where to go during the evacuation.

Did you know?

It’s important that individuals heed evacuation warnings when such recommendations are issued, as studies of past natural disasters illustrate the effectiveness of evacuations. According to a joint report from the United States Department of Health and Human Services and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 52.5 percent of drowning deaths directly related to Hurricane Sandy, the deadliest and most destructive storm of the 2012 Atlantic hurricane season, occurred in the home. Nearly all of the homes where those deaths occurred were within evacuation zones, which means many of them could have been prevented had individuals chosen to evacuate when orders were issued. Studies have found that people ignore evacuation orders for a wide range of reasons, including the cost of evacuating and past experiences during previous storms that gives a false perception that the storm will not be that bad. However, as technology has advanced, public safety officials are now more capable than ever at gauging the characteristics of oncoming storms, including the dangers they pose. That should be enough to compel individuals, even those who have long lived in areas vulnerable to storms like hurricanes, to evacuate when their local officials urge them to do so.

Individual needs should inform emergency plans

Storms, natural disasters and other emergency situations are unpredictable. Planning for the unpredictable is no small task, but emergency response professionals and public health agencies emphasize the importance of having a plan in place should disaster strike.

The National Centers for Environmental Information reported there were a record 22 separate billion-dollar weather and climate disasters across the United States in 2020. That shattered the previous annual record and led to $95 billion in damages, marking a bookend to a five-year period between 2016 and 2020 that saw the total cost of a billiondollar disasters exceed $600 billion. Such figures illustrate that while the disasters themselves may be unpredictable, it’s not hard to conclude that they’re going to come and they’re going to be costly. When planning for disasters, families are urged to consider the specific needs of each person in their household. Ready. gov, a disaster preparedness public service campaign sponsored by the U.S. government, urges families to keep the following factors in mind as they prepare disaster response plans for their households.

> Ages of members within your household: The ages of individuals within the household merit consideration. Young children or seniors may not be able to navigate the household in emergency situations, and it may take longer for heads of household to get everyone out if some people need assistance. Emergency plans can be altered as children grow older and can take on more responsibility.

> Responsibilities for assisting others: Assign older children and adults specific responsibilities if anyone in the

household will require assistance. For example, adolescents can help a live-in grandparent get out of the house.

> Locations frequented: Defining the locations household members frequent can make it easier to find everyone in the case of emergency.

> Dietary needs: Document the unique dietary needs, including food allergies, of each person in the household so no one has an adverse reaction to food during or after evacuating.

> Medical needs: Document each individual’s medical needs, including their prescriptions and any equipment they need.

> Disabilities: Include individual’s disabilities-related needs or access and functional needs, including devices and equipment.

> Languages spoken: This information can help emergency response personnel communicate with anyone who does not speak the native tongue.

> Cultural and considerations:religious

Document individuals’ cultural and religious considerations so anyone trying to help them can do so while respecting their beliefs.

> Pets or service animals: Emergency assistance shelters admit only service animals, so anyone traveling with animals will need to provide proof that the animal is recognized as a service animal. Families should plan ahead and arrange for housing for pets in the case they have to evacuate their homes.

No two families are the same, so it’s a must that disaster preparedness plans take each individual’s needs into consideration.

It’s important that the needs of each individual are considered as families devise responseemergencyplans.

Insurance protectionsituationsemergencyfor

Flood insurance

Emergencies, especially storms, can be unpredictable and cause personal injury and costly damage to homes. The right insurance is essential to help mitigate damage from storms and soften the financial blow that such destruction can cause. Not all insurance is the same, and additional policies and riders may help reduce the impact of emergencies.

Homeowners insurance

Standard homeowners insurance policies will cover a wide range of issues. American Family Insurance says damage from wildfires, wind storms, tornadoes, ice storms, lightning strikes, hail, power surges, and fallen trees is included. But additional coverage may be needed to cover excessive damage.

Matching siding coverage

Some homeowners may want to replace all of the siding on their homes if parts are damaged and color or siding materials cannot be matched exactly by patching up damaged areas.

Roof replacement insurance

This insurance will be used to pay for the full replacement of a roof, minus the deductible, which may differ from what’s covered through standard homeowners policies.

Sump pump overflow insurance

Sump pumps are designed to engage and pump water out of basements and crawl spaces, helping to avoid flooding in the home. If the power goes out and the sump pump cannot work, or if the sump pump fails, homeowners typically are not covered for any ensuing damage. Sump pump overflow insurance provides additional peace of mind and protection.

Homeowners insurance may not cover flood damage, especially if a home is in a flood zone. Flood insurance can bridge the gap of coverage. The National Flood Insurance Program offers building coverage and contents coverage policies. Building coverage will cover carpeting, electrical and plumbing systems, window blinds, foundation walls, and more. Contents coverage protects curtains, personal clothing and furniture, artwork, and appliances, among other things.

Umbrella insurance

According to Geico, umbrella insurance is extra insurance that provides protection that goes beyond limitations and coverage of other policies. It can offer coverage for injuries to people staying at your house or renting your property, property damage, personal liability, and certain lawsuits.

Renters insurance

Renters insurance protects renters, yet the Independent Insurance Adjusters & Brokers of America says almost two-thirds of residential lessees in the United States do not carry renters insurance. Renters insurance can protect belongings destroyed in a fire or weather event; provide assistance should someone be injured in your apartment; or it can protect you if you were found legally responsible for damages to someone’s property, according to State Farm

ManyInsurance.types of insurance can offer various levels of protection in emergency situations. An insurance representative can walk interested parties through the policies available to customize an insurance package that will offer sufficient protection against emergencies.

The foodsnonperishableofshelfaveragelifevarious

Many

nonperishable foods can be stored for quite a while. But even the most resilient items should be used or replaced after a certain period of time. FEMA suggests the following timeline for emergency preparedness food stores.

Use within six months:

• Powdered milk (boxed)

• Dried fruit

• Dry, crisp crackers

• Potatoes

Use within one year, or before the date indicated on the label:

• Canned condensed meat and vegetable soups

• Canned fruits, fruit juices and vegetables

• Ready-to-eat cereals and uncooked instant cereals

• Peanut butter

• Jelly • Hard candy and canned nuts

• Vitamins

May be stored indefinitely under proper conditions:

• Wheat

• Vegetable oils

• Dried corn

• Baking powder

• Instant coffee, tea and cocoa

• Salt

• Noncarbonated soft drinks

• White rice

• Dry pasta

• Powdered milk (nitrogen-packed cans)

Dear Parent, Guardian, or Educator: This activity book is designed to teach young children and their families about how to stay safe during disasters and emergencies.

Disasters can be scary for kids, but children are much better at adapting to situations when they know what to expect. Work with children through this activity book to help them understand the concepts and safety messages discussed.

The below definitions will provide a foundation for understanding the safety messages provided.

HAZARDS: Hazards are the events that may lead to emergencies and disasters. A hazard is a source of danger, like a flood.

EMERGENCY: An emergency is a time when something serious happens and immediate help is needed.

DISASTER: A disaster is an emergency that causes great harm to people or an area.

PREPARE: Prepare means to get ready. You get ready for things all the time — like when you put on a jacket and grab an umbrella to get ready for a rainy day. There are lots of things you can do to “PREPARE” for emergencies and disasters, like learning what to do if one happens, making a plan with your family, or putting supplies in an emergency kit.

SAFE PLACE: A safe place is somewhere you can go to be safe from things that could harm you. What is considered a safe place will vary depending upon the emergency or disaster.

While working through this activity book with your child, use page 11 to create a family communication plan to ensure that your family is ready for any emergency or disaster. Developing and practicing a plan are key steps to helping both adults and children remember what to do to stay safe.

As the largest healthcare provider in Florence, we’re ready to help your family with anything life brings – medical emergencies,

surgeries, annual checkups, new babies – and so much more. We are here to be your partner in health.

Learn more at www.ready.gov and at www.redcross.org.

Sincerely,Yourfriends at the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the American Red Cross Your community partner.

Thanks to everyone who cast their votes for PeaceHealth and our outstanding medical providers in the “Best of” Siuslaw News. inpartnerYourhealth

Thunderstorms bring lots of rain. They also bring thunder, lightning, wind, and hail.

It’s not safe to be outside when lightning is near. If you hear thunder, then that means that lightning is close. Get indoors fast.

When thunder roars, go indoors!

Remember, when thunder , go indoors.

When a lot of rain comes or a river overflows, that can bring a flood. Floods that happen very quickely are called flash floods.

Playing in flood water is not safe and could make you sick.

Moving water can sweep you off your feet fast. If you see flood water, never walk through it. Tell adults not to drive through it.

Turn around, don’t drown!

Did you know? Floods are the most common weather event in the United States. Remember, Turn

, Don’t Drown

Martin’s family knows what to do when they see flood water. Do you? the secret

Floods can happen where we live, so my family made a plan. We know where to go if a flood comes. We down and to if something happens.

Fill out this plan together with your parent or Then talk about what to do if something happens. Your family can make a plan for any emergency or disaster. Family Communication Plan

EARTHQUAKE

An earthquake is when the rock under the earth’s surface moves. When that happens, the ground under your feet can shake, move, or crack.

If the ground starts shaking: Drop where you are, onto your hands andCoverkneesyour head and neck. Crawl under a nearby sturdy table or desk if you can. Hold On until the shaking stops.

Here, let me show you!

Did you know? Earthquakes can happen almost anywhere in the United States!

A is a fire that burns through forests and other wildlands. In some places, the weather may be really dry for a long period of time. A dangerous wildfire can start quickly in these conditions.

Did you know? Most wildfires are caused by humans. Always be careful when camping or cooking outside.

Creating an emergency kit with WLEOG

Western Lane Emergency Operations Group offers this emergency preparation information and more on its website, wleog.org. In addition, it has how-to videos for making a family plan and choosing to evacuate or remain in place.

Emergency Preparedness is essential for individ uals and families. You and your family need to take the proper measures to be prepared in case of a natural disaster. Mother Nature can be very un predictable and if you are prepared and have the proper supplies on hand, then it will help eliminate some of the stress while you are trying to recuper

ate from an emergency situation. Food storage and other aids are important to keep up-to-date and have for Sometimessurvival.creating a food storage supply can be overwhelming. An essential kit that can get you started in preparing your family for an emergency situation is a 72-hour kit. Having a 72-hour kit avail able for each individual in your family can be a life saving item. It is a good idea to have a big kit with things for your entire family and also have some individual kits that fit the needs of certain family members.Suggested nonperishable food items to keep in

the kit include: ready-to-eat goods in unbreakable containers, canned meats, juice, fruits and vege tables, powdered milk, infant care foods, crackers, peanut butter, freeze dried and dehydrated goods.

The following 72-Hour Emergency Kit should be individually tailored to meet the basic survival needs of your family for three days to a week. Most families prefer to store their emergency supplies in one location that is relatively safe, yet easily acces sible if evacuation is required. Items may be stored in a 32-gallon trash can, suitcase, duffel bag, foot locker or individual pack.

72-Hour Emergency Kit Checklist

Emergency Needs

o Battery powered radio

o Extra batteries

o First aid kit and manual

o Sleeping bags and blankets (wool or ther mal), as well as towels to keep dry

o Manual can opener

o Waterproof/windproof matches

o Water storage (1 gallon/person/day)

o Water purification tablets

o Utility knife and/or heavy-duty scissors

o Extra eyeglasses, contact lenses, solution

o Essential medications

o Flashlights/battery powered lanterns. Avoid candles due to of fire hazard

o Supplies for children, the elderly, those with special needs and pets

Sanitation Kit

o Plastic bucket with tightly fitting lid

o Heavy-duty trash bags and ties

o Disinfectant, soap

o Improvised toilet seat (5-gallon bucket or a coffee can)

o Disposable cups, plates and utensils

o Personal toiletries & hygienic needs

o Toilet paper + paper towels

o Aluminum foil

o Sanitizing and disinfectant wipes

Other supplies

o Pen and paper

o Extra set of car and house keys,

o A stash of cash in small bills

o Address and phone numbers

o Work gloves and basic tools: a wrench ham mer, nails, screwdrivers, screws, duct tape, zip ties, etc.

o Plastic sheeting, tarp and duct tape

o Whistle to signal for help

o Copies of important documents – such as insurance, deeds, passports, birth certifi cates and vehicle titles – scanned to flash drive and stored safely

o Small photo album with current photos of family members and pets

o Extra clothing, socks, underwear and outer wear + sturdy, comfortable footwear

o Camera for documenting damage

Standard First Aid Kit

o First aid manual

o Aspirin or pain relievers

o Laxatives, diarrhea medicine

o Rubbing alcohol, petroleum jelly

o Soap, salt, baking soda

o Variety of bandages, pressure dressings

o Cotton balls, scissors, needles, tweezers, popsicle sticks, splints, heavy string

o Thermometer

o Syrup of Ipecac

Car Survival Kit

o Always have at least a half tank of gas

o First aid kit

o Class ABC fire extinguisher

o Radio and fresh batteries

o Nonperishable food in coffee can

o Bottled water

o Tool kit

o Blankets or sleeping bags

o Short rubber hose for siphoning

o Jumper cables

o Waterproof matches and candles

o Reflectors and flares

o Flashlight with fresh batteries

o Paper and pencil, maps

o Towel, plastic bags, medications

Remember, survival is not a kit. Survival is a plan and the kit should be just one part of your plan.

You’ve finally achieved your dream. Don’t lose it to a power outage, hacker disruption, fire, earthquake or other disaster. If you’re not prepared, a disaster could put you and your employees at risk, possibly shutting down your busi ness

Roughly forever.40to

60 percent of small businesses never reopen their doors following a disaster. But you can.

Disaster planning and preparedness can be your lifeline to staying in business. With proper education, planning, testing and disaster assistance, you will be able to stay in business through any interruption and beyond.

Here are five preparation steps the Red Cross recommends for all small business owners.

1. Purchase essential safety equipment Plan emergency communications Prepare evacuation routes and shelter Back up essential business data Develop a continuity of operations plan

How to prepare for an extended power outage

Planning ahead can help make adverse situations more manageable. Such is the case when storms strike and the power goes out. Extended power outages may not be pleasant, but some proactive planning can make it easier to withstand blackouts.

> Establish a local support network. Support can be just as valuable as supplies when confronting power outages. The American Red Cross urges individuals to identify people who can help them during an extended power outage. Such individuals may help you stay at home or evacuate if the power will be out for a lengthy period of time. Support networks can include relatives who live in nearby towns, but also neighbors. A single street can be served by different substations and main power lines, so friends or neighbor across the street may keep their power when your house does not, or vice versa. When the power goes out, support networks can pool their resources in various ways, including sharing refrigerators or allowing neighbors without power to access the internet. Such support makes it easier for everyone to get through the outage with as little interruption to their lives as possible.

> Print a list of important contacts. If the power is out, it’s only a matter of time before smartphones lose their battery power. Phones can always be plugged into vehicles to get a quick power boost, but that’s not the most practical way to keep phones charged, especially if local roads are closed.

A printed list of important contacts, including nearby relatives like seniors who may be incapacitated, doctors and school officials, ensures people whose phone batteries have died can still contact their loved ones and other important individuals so long as they can use a neighbor’s or a loved one’s phone.

> Learn to use your generator.

Consumer Reports notes that improper operation of a generator can quickly prove deadly. If carbon monoxide concentrations are too high, individuals can lose their lives in as little as five minutes. And this is no insignificant threat, as the Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that 95 people died from generator-associated carbon monoxide poisoning in 2017.

CR recommends operating generators at least 20 feet away from the house. Individuals should familiarize themselves with their generators upon purchasing them so they aren’t forced to endure a trial by fire when the power goes out.

> Stock up on essentials. The Red Cross recommends keeping a twoweek supply of nonperishable food and water in the house, making sure to date each container of water and replace it every six months. Keep some extra coolers in the house so food can be stored on ice before it spoils in the refrigerator or freezer. In addition, make sure there’s enough blankets in the house to keep everyone warm overnight, as it’s not safe to use outdoor heaters indoors. Stock up on battery-powered lights and candles to light the house at night, but make sure all candles are extinguished before going to bed.

Extended power outages can be a nuisance. Planning for such outages in advance can make blackouts more manageable.

How to teach kids about emergency preparedness

Emergency preparedness is something everyone in the household should learn, including children. But approaching the topic of emergencies with youngsters requires finesse. Children are capable of comprehending many things, especially when information is presented in ageappropriate ways.

The American Red Cross recommends parents narrow down the subject matter when discussing disasters and emergency readiness with kids. Parents and caregivers can start by determining which disasters are most common where they live. There’s no need to broach hypothermia safety, for example, if the family resides in a warm climate. Another good step is to speak with schools or daycare centers to find out how they handle the subject of emergencies, and then reinforce those lessons at home.

The local library may have books in their children’s section and there are plenty of online resources that address safety skills and emergency preparedness in language that children can understand. In addition, the Red Cross notes there are mobile apps

designed to teach and reinforce important safety skills in informative but fun ways. For example, the Monster Guard app is geared toward kids between the ages of seven and 11 who are asked to join the Monster Guard and prepare for real-life emergencies at home and in other environments.

Children may not understand everything that goes into preparing for an emergency, but they may be more inclined to get involved if they are given tasks they can handle.

Children in Pre-K to grade 2 can learn how to dial 9-1-1 or practice “Stop! Drop! And Roll!” safety techniques. Older children can be tasked with making emergency supplies shopping lists and helping to put away these items, or working with parents to devise a home evacuation plan.

Practice makes perfect, and once families determine which emergency plans they should put into effect, they can role play with children to help make sure that everyone recognizes what to do in the case of an actual emergency. Important phone numbers can be posted in a key location (and programmed into mobile phones), and children should know what to do in the event

they get separated from their guardians during a weather situation or another emergency. Children also can help pack go bags with key items they don’t want to part with should they need to evacuate home due

to a weather emergency.

Children can be involved in emergency preparedness by working through topics they can understand and explore.

How to plan for medical emergencies

Medicalemergencies pose a significant threat to human health. According to the National Center for Health Statistics, unintentional injuries accounted for more than 192,000 deaths in 2020. That marks a significant increase since 2015, when NCHS data indicates roughly 146,000 people died from unintentional injuries.

Unintentional injuries are not the only situations that qualify as medical emergencies, which also can result from sudden, life-threatening issues like heart attack or stroke. Knowing what to do in the wake of a medical emergency can reduce the likelihood that such instances end in tragedy. And though medical emergencies might be most often associated with aging men and women, such scenarios can affect anyone at any time. That means it’s in everyone’s best interest to learn how to plan for medical emergencies.

> Document your medical history and keep printed documentation in an easily accessible place. Younger individuals likely won’t have as much documentation regarding their medical histories, including existing conditions, medications and even previous emergencies. But all individuals should print out a document that includes a brief rundown of their medical histories, and keep the document in an easily accessible place so caretakers, spouses or roommates can quickly find it and share all relevant information with first responders.

> Pack an overnight bag. Aging men and women or young people with a history of illness and/ or medical emergencies should pack an overnight bag or ask their caretakers to pack one for them. Include pajamas, personal toiletries and other care items, and even some books or activity books so you have something to do should you require an extended stay in the hospital. Include a spare phone or device charger in your overnight bag, as it’s easy to forget such items when you’re hurrying out the door in an emergency situation.

> Become CPR-certified. The medical experts at MedStar Health recommend that individuals take classes for first aid and CPR. Such lessons can save lives and help anyone experiencing a medical emergency get immediate attention until first responders arrive to administer additional care. Some organizations may offer free CPR courses, while others, including the American Red Cross, offer training at affordable prices.

> Map out the quickest route to the nearest emergency room. Modern drivers are accustomed to relying on their car’s GPS systems to get from point A to point B. However, during a medical emergency it’s ideal if individuals or caretakers already know where the nearest hospital is and how to get there. That removes uncertainties from the situation and ensures that precious seconds won’t be wasted trying to get devices to connect with

Medicalautomobiles.emergencies

can affect anyone at any time. Knowing what to do in such situations can save lives and increase the chances of a positive outcome.

What to do if you feel threatened

No one wants to imagine a situation in which they feel threatened. However, many people find themselves in such positions every day. Knowing what to do in such instances may help individuals avoid dangerous

USAHellooutcomes.is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping immigrants, asylum seekers, refugees, and the communities that welcome them build brighter futures for themselves and their families. No one is immune to threatening situations, so refugees and immigrants are not the only people who can benefit from learning what to do if they feel they’re being threatened. USAHello offers these tips to individuals in such situations.

> Call 911. The most important thing a person can do when they feel threatened is to call 911. When doing so, stay on the line. HelloUSA notes that many immigrants and refugees are uncomfortable calling the police. In such instances, ask a stranger to do so for you.

> Contact a friend or relative. If possible, text a friend or relative and let them know what is happening and where you are. This can be done while you’re on the phone with the police.

> Remain as calm as you possibly can. HelloUSA notes that telling the person who is threatening you to calm down may make the situation worse, as such individuals are likely

not thinking rationally. But individuals who feel threatened should try to keep themselves calm and slowly move away from the person or persons who are threatening them.

> Speak English if possible. HelloUSA notes that individuals who are being irrational or violent may think their victims are talking about them if they’re speaking in another language. That may escalate the situation even further.

> Ask another person for help. HelloUSA reports that research indicates people do not respond to requests for help when they’re in groups, but they do help if they are alone. Individuals who feel threatened can explain to a sympathetic individual that they feel afraid and move closer to this person if they can do so.

> Get to a public place as quickly as possible. Individuals who feel threatened, especially if they are alone, should try to stay in or get to a public place as quickly as possible. If the person who is threatening you comes closer to you, yell loudly and tell them to keep their distance.

Threatening situations can happen suddenly. Knowing what to do in such instances can reduce the likelihood that they end with unfortunate or even tragic consequences.

Self-defense strategies are designed to help people get through threatening emergency situations unharmed. Knowledge of such strategies and how to perform them can be valuable for both men and women.

According to a 2018 study commissioned by the nonprofit organization Stop Street Harassment, 81 percent of women and 43 percent of men have experienced some form of sexual harassment and/or assault in their lifetime. The study, which surveyed 1,000 men and 1,000 women ages 18 and up, also found that 27 percent of women and 7 percent of men had survived sexual assault, which the authors of the study define as “a sexual act that someone was forced to do against their will and without their Emergencyconsent.”response protocols may often be associated with natural disasters, but self-defense techniques can be a vital component of protecting oneself against emergencies that have nothing to do with Mother Nature. Many communitybased organizations or privately owned fitness centers offer self-defense classes, which studies have found provide myriad benefits, including increased self-confidence in emergency situations. Instructors can teach men and women the ins and outs of various self-defense techniques, and the following are three effective methods individuals may learn in such classes.

> Ready stance: The ready stance is rooted in establishing boundaries. This technique encourages individuals to stand with their feet apart and their hands by their sides. Similar but not exactly the same as the ready stance in tae kwon do, the toes are pointed forward and body is distributed evenly on the balls of the feet as opposed to the heels.

> Groin kick: A groin kick is designed to paralyze an attacker coming at you from the front. When delivered correctly, a groin kick can enable your escape. The online medical resource Healthline notes that the groin kick technique is relatively simple. Individuals should stabilize themselves as much as possible, and then lift their dominant leg off the ground and drive their knee upward. Extend the dominant leg while driving the hips forward, slightly lean back and kick forcefully, making contact between the lower shin or ball of the foot while targeting the attacker’s groin.

> Elbow strike: The elbow strike is best utilized when attackers are in close range and individuals will have trouble kicking or punching with enough force to repel an attack. When employing an elbow strike, individuals should stabilize themselves with a strong core and legs, which can put more power into their strike. Healthline notes that the arm should be bent at the elbow before weight is shifted forward and the elbow strikes the attacker in an effective target, ideally his or her neck, jawline, chin, or

Self-defensetemple. classes taught by experienced instructors can instruct individuals on various techniques that can help them escape emergency situations in which they feel threatened. No one is immune to such situations, which underscores the importance of learning self-defense strategies and techniques.

The importance of self-defenseSelf-defense

classes can teach individuals various strategies to help them make it through threatening situations unharmed.