What experts say you should do in these emergency situations

Love and Protect is presented by KO Fitness and Firearms. Life is precious. Take safety into your own hands. 

Written By: Jennah James 

(NATIONAL) The holidays and stress go together like milk and cookies. From unsavory interactions with strangers and even family or friends to predators looking for their next victim, it's always a good idea to hope for the best and plan for the worst- just in case. 

Hostile face-to-face

While some stress is perfectly normal during waits in the grocery line, finding a parking spot or dealing with a less-than-pleasant clerk, higher levels of stress could cause some people to escalate to verbal altercations or even violence. Using de-escalation is a tactic to defuse a crisis before a person possibly turns physically aggressive. 

First, determine if a crisis might be on the verge of happening. Watch body language and listen to the person's tone. Try to keep calm and avoid matching the agitated person’s volume. It might be difficult, but don’t take insults personally if the upset individual throws them at you. Lower yourself to the person’s eye level so that the conversation is less confrontational. 

If you're ever in fear for your safety, call police. 

Sometimes the threat is a loved one. If you need help getting away from an abusive relationship, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or text “START” to 88788. 

Finally, porch pirates aren't the only lurkers to be wary of. The holidays are an especially desperate time for many, and some turn to burglary. While most burglars aim to break into an empty house, that's not always how things pan out. 

State Farm offers a variety of tips to keep burglars at bay, like having it appear that you are home even when you are not, putting up security system stickers, and installing deadbolts. 

On the road

‘Tis the season for shopping, sharing the roads, and keeping your cool all the while. Unfortunately, more vehicles on the roads during the holiday season mean more aggressive drivers. 

According to AAA, aggressive driving has increasingly become a major cause of concern for many travelers on the roadways.

Some examples of road rage they give include:  

Cursing and rude or obscene gestures

Throwing objects

Ramming

Sideswiping

Forcing a driver off the road

There’s no doubt that traveling from point A to point B can be overwhelming for various reasons on any given day. Be sure to follow traffic laws, even if you are in a hurry. Remaining calm and courteous to surrounding drivers will keep everyone from blowing a gasket, figuratively. 

If you ever feel threatened on the roadway, don’t engage the aggressor. Instead, drive to a public place and call police. 

Severe weather

The deadly destruction of the December 10 tornado that killed at least 70 people across five states is on the minds of many leading into the holiday season. Severe weather of any kind is a reminder that any time of year, we are not exempt from being impacted. 

Seeing our neighbors deal with disaster should be motivation to build your own preparedness kit. According to ready.gov, being prepared means having enough food, water and other supplies to last for several days. 

Keep a couple of assembled kits stored in plastic bins or duffel bags. Your emergency supplies should be placed in airtight plastic bags. The government recommends that a basic emergency supply kit should include: 

Water (one gallon per person per day for several days, for drinking and sanitation)

Food (at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food)

Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert

Flashlight

First aid kit

Extra batteries

Whistle (to signal for help)

Dust mask (to help filter contaminated air)

Plastic sheeting and duct tape (to shelter in place)

Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties (for personal sanitation)

Wrench or pliers (to turn off utilities)

Manual can opener (for food)

Local maps

Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery

It is also important to note that since Spring of 2020, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recommended people include additional items in their kits to help prevent the spread of COVID, the flu, and other viruses.

Ahead of any weather event, sign up for your community’s warning systems. The Emergency Alert System (EAS) and NOAA Weather Radio also provide emergency alerts. If your community has sirens, then become familiar with the warning tone.

If you must drive during winter weather, AAA offers these tips: 

Keep a bundle of cold-weather gear in your car, such as extra food and water, warm clothing, a flashlight, a glass scraper, blankets, medications and more.

Make certain your tires are properly inflated and have plenty of tread.

Keep at least half a tank of fuel in your vehicle at all times.

Never warm up a vehicle in an enclosed area, such as a garage.

Do not use cruise control when driving on any slippery surface, such as on ice and snow

Most importantly, weigh out the risks. Nothing, not even the holiday event of the year, is worth putting your life and the lives of others in jeopardy. 

For many, the season will pass with nothing more than great memories. But if you're one of the unlucky few, taking these preemptive steps could mean the difference between a holiday hiccup and tragedy.

Presented by KO Fitness and Firearms- not just dedicated to creating customers. We want to help create peace of mind and security for life.