There are some simple precautions that will help prevent fires. Do not burn trash on your own. Most populated areas of the country have laws that forbid trash burning by individuals. Trash is placed in cans or strong plastic bags for pickup by the garbage collectors. In apartment houses, follow the trash instructions for the building.
Most house fires are caused by burning fat, by defective electrical wiring, or by cigarettes. Never leave your home — even for a minute — while anything is cooking. All homes should have a small foam fire extinguisher near the stove; these are good for either fat or electrical fires. You can buy small portable ones at most hardware stores. Be sure to check the date before you buy — they deteriorate with age. Also, keep a box or two of baking soda handy. It quickly smothers grease or oil flames. Smoke alarms are required by law in most places. They are inexpensive, are easily installed, and are good warnings, especially at night. They are also available in most hardware stores.
As mentioned earlier, in most communities in the United States, the telephone number to call in case of an emergency is 9-1-1. This was mandated by federal law to be completed by late 2003, but in a few communities regular telephone numbers (for fire, police, and ambulance services) are still used and will be listed in a prominent place in the local phone directory (such as the inside front cover). If this is the case, be sure to write the number down and post it on or near the phone. You should use the emergency number for fire, the police, and medical emergencies. You can also dial "0" to get an operator who will connect you to the emergency number. Keep in mind, however, that if you dial an operator (or if you call 9-1-1 on a cell phone), you will not immediately alert officials to your location. The most important thing is to remain calm enough to relay the essential information quickly. Sadly, the nation's 9-1-1 system is not fully funded, resulting in long waits in large urban areas. Furthering the problem is the widespread inappropriate use of the number, tying up the lines with complaints of noisy neighbors and requests for directions. Remember that 9-1-1 is for emergencies, not for general help.
Everyone knows that cities around the world are full of problems and are sometimes dangerous; however, you need not miss the many advantages cities offer if you take precautions and use common sense. Then the chances of having a misfortune — while not totally removed — are very much diminished.
Safety on the Streets
When you walk after dark, keep to the more heavily traveled and well-lit streets. If you have to go through dangerous areas, go by bus or taxi. Try to board your bus in a populated area rather than at a bus stop in a deserted locality.
Avoid parks after dark; if you are passing one, walk on the opposite side of the street. People with bad intent often loiter in dark places. They like the edges of parks because they can make a quick escape. They also like doorways and alleys. If you feel apprehensive, walk on the curb side of the sidewalk.
If you have to wait in a train or bus terminal at night, do so in the main waiting room, where it is light and people are passing, or else choose a place in sight of a guard or police officer. Avoid subway travel in the late evening when stations are likely to be fairly deserted.
Most — but not all — crime in the United States takes place in dark, rather predictable places where there are few people about. Reasonable precautions such as the above will markedly reduce your chance of trouble. Find out about neighborhoods or areas of the city to avoid after dark (or at any time).
In most of the country the emergency number for ambulance, police, or fire is 9-1-1, but it is wise to check this locally, especially if you are far from large cities. If you do not know the emergency number, just dial "0" for the operator and tell him or her about your situation, but do not forget to give your address and telephone number. If you hang up without giving this critical information, you will have wasted precious moments while the operator tries to trace the call. If you can, go directly to the emergency room of the nearest hospital. Emergency rooms are set up to deal with serious accidents and acute illnesses (such as a heart attack). It is a good idea to find out where this facility is located before you need it. They are equipped to respond quickly to life-threatening situations. However, calling 9-1-1 and requesting an ambulance may be the most prudent course.
Urgent Care
If you have an urgent medical concern that does not qualify as an emergency, the first step is to call your doctor. If you do not have a doctor — or if he or she is unavailable — go to the emergency room of the nearest hospital. Less serious illnesses and accidents, although they may occur without warning, are treated by family physicians and in walk-in clinics. Some hospitals also have an "express care" or "urgent care" service, separate from their emergency services. There are even urgent care or walk-in clinics, separate from hospitals, that may provide quicker treatment of many serious (but not life-threatening) medical conditions such as broken limbs or fevers. These tend to be less expensive than the emergency room and you will not likely have to wait too long, unlike an emergency room where more serious injuries are treated before minor ones.
Although health care is expensive in the United States, it is good and in most cases very thorough. People are referred to hospitals more often here than in many other countries. If this happens to you, be sure you understand from the doctor exactly what the reason is before you become worried. It often means only that the doctor wants to make use of special facilities for tests, X-rays, or treatment procedures, or wants to have you observed at frequent intervals over a period of days by a trained staff. It does not necessarily mean that the doctor thinks you are seriously ill.
Labels: emergency, medical care, US