What to Do and What Not to Do in an Emergency

Everyone · How-to · Updated October 1, 2026 · LearnLife Editorial

What Do You Need Before Starting to Handle an Emergency?

Emergencies happen without warning, so being prepared with the right supplies and information is critical. Begin by assembling an emergency kit containing basics for at least 72 hours. Essential items include bottled water (one gallon per person per day), non-perishable food like canned goods or energy bars, a flashlight with extra batteries, a basic first aid kit, a whistle to signal for help, and copies of important documents such as IDs, medical records, and insurance information. A battery-powered or hand-crank radio helps you stay informed during power outages.

In addition to physical supplies, know your emergency phone numbers, including 911 and local emergency contacts. Have a family communication plan outlining where to meet and how to contact each other if separated. Practice this plan regularly to build confidence. For people with special needs or pets, include items like medications, mobility aids, or pet food in your kit.

Preparing ahead reduces panic and confusion during an emergency. You can start by creating a checklist and assembling your kit gradually, placing it somewhere easily accessible to everyone in your household.

What Are the Step-by-Step Actions You Should Take in an Emergency?

1. Stay Calm and Take a Deep Breath Panic can cloud judgment. Remind yourself to breathe slowly and stay focused. If you feel overwhelmed, count to ten slowly or repeat a calming phrase.

1. Assess Your Immediate Environment Quickly scan for hazards like fire, smoke, broken glass, or downed power lines. Determine if you or others are in immediate danger and need to move.

1. Call Emergency Services (911 or Local Number) When safe, call emergency services immediately. Speak clearly, give your exact location, describe the emergency type, and provide details like the number of people injured or trapped. If you are unsure what to say, follow the dispatcher’s questions carefully.

1. Protect Yourself and Others If safe to do so, move to a secure location away from danger. For instance, during a fire, evacuate calmly using stairs, not elevators. If you cannot leave, close doors and block smoke with wet cloths.

1. Provide Basic Aid if You Are Trained Only provide first aid within your knowledge limits. For example, apply pressure to stop bleeding or position an unconscious person in the recovery position. Avoid moving anyone with suspected spinal injuries unless necessary.

1. Follow Official Instructions Listen to emergency responders, alerts, or public announcements. Follow orders such as evacuation or shelter-in-place exactly as given.

1. Communicate Your Status Let family or friends know you are safe if possible. Use text messages or social media if voice calls are unavailable or lines are busy. Conserve your phone battery for emergency use.

Each step prioritizes safety and ensures help arrives quickly. For example, calling 911 promptly can be lifesaving in medical emergencies or fires.

How Can You Tell if Your Response Worked?

After taking action, signs that your response was effective include: you and those with you are safe from immediate harm; emergency responders arrive and take control; the danger diminishes or is contained; and those injured receive timely care. For example, if you evacuated a building and no one was injured, your quick action worked.

Additionally, staying calm and orderly helps prevent panic and chaos, allowing everyone to cooperate and follow directions. If you can communicate your location and needs clearly to responders, that improves their ability to help quickly.

If after your response, you feel safe, hazards are controlled, and help is on the way, you have successfully managed the crisis as best as possible. This positive outcome often depends on preparation and clear thinking under pressure.

What Should You Do When Things Go Wrong in an Emergency?

Emergencies can be unpredictable, and initial actions may not always work as planned. If your first attempt to leave a dangerous area is blocked, do not force your way or panic. Instead, find an alternative exit or secure yourself in a safe spot and signal for help using a whistle or flashlight.

If you cannot reach emergency services by phone, try texting if your area supports text-to-911 services or reach out to neighbors or passersby for assistance. Avoid repeatedly calling 911 if lines are busy—only call if there is new or worsening danger.

When injuries worsen or someone collapses unexpectedly, call 911 again and follow dispatcher instructions carefully. Don’t attempt complicated medical procedures beyond your skills, as this might cause more harm.

In situations such as severe weather, if your building is damaged or unsafe, evacuate only when authorities allow. If you become separated from family, use prearranged meeting points or emergency contacts to reconnect.

Remaining flexible and calm, while avoiding risky behaviors, helps manage setbacks effectively during an emergency.

What Should You Not Do in an Emergency?

Avoid these common mistakes that can worsen emergencies:

• Do Not Panic or Freeze: Panic can cause poor decisions or immobilize you. Try to stay calm and think clearly.
• Do Not Spread Rumors or Unverified Information: Sharing false news amplifies fear and confusion. Only share official updates.
• Do Not Take Unnecessary Risks to Help: Unless trained, avoid entering dangerous areas or performing risky rescues. Your safety comes first.
• Do Not Ignore Official Warnings or Instructions: Evacuation orders or shelter-in-place advice are crucial to your safety—follow them promptly.
• Do Not Overload Emergency Lines: Keep 911 lines open for urgent calls by avoiding non-essential calls.
• Do Not Leave Vulnerable People Unattended: Children, elderly, or disabled individuals should be supervised and assisted promptly.

For example, running toward floodwaters to rescue someone can lead to multiple casualties. Instead, call emergency services and alert nearby help.

How Can You Adapt Emergency Steps for Different Audiences?

Tailoring emergency plans and instructions to different people improves safety and confidence.

• Children: Use simple, reassuring language and practice drills regularly. Teach them exact words to say when calling 911, such as: “My name is [Name]. I am at [address]. I need help because [emergency].” Keep emergency kits accessible to them and explain why these steps help keep everyone safe.
• Older Adults or People with Disabilities: Create accessible evacuation routes and keep emergency supplies within reach. Include extra medications or mobility aids. Assign a trusted contact to check on them during emergencies.
• Parents: Prepare child-specific supplies like diapers, formula, or comfort items. Have a communication plan to reunite if separated. Teach children to stay put and call for help only when safe.
• Workplaces: Train employees on specific hazards and emergency exits. Conduct regular drills and keep emergency numbers posted.
• Pet Owners: Include pet food, water, and carriers in your emergency kit. Know pet-friendly shelters or arrangements in advance.

Adjusting instructions and preparation according to audience needs ensures everyone is ready and can act effectively during emergencies.

What Are Some Examples of Emergency Situations and How Should You Tailor Your Response?

• Fire: Quickly evacuate using the nearest safe exit. Avoid elevators, close doors behind you to slow fire spread, and call 911 once outside. If trapped, signal from a window or stay low to avoid smoke.
• Medical Emergency: Call 911 immediately. Provide any first aid you are trained for, such as CPR or stopping bleeding. Keep the person calm, warm, and comfortable while waiting for help.
• Natural Disaster (Earthquake): Drop to the ground, take cover under sturdy furniture, and hold on until shaking stops. Afterward, check for injuries or hazards, and evacuate if instructed.
• Flood: Move to higher ground immediately. Avoid walking or driving through floodwaters, which can be deeper and faster than they appear. Stay tuned to weather updates.
• Car Accident: If possible, move to a safe location away from traffic. Call emergency services and provide details. Do not admit fault or argue; just focus on safety and facts.
• Power Outage: Use flashlights instead of candles to avoid fire risk. Unplug sensitive electronics to prevent damage when power returns. Stay informed through a battery-powered radio.

Tailoring your response based on the type of emergency helps protect lives and property effectively.

Why Is Knowing What Not to Do as Important as Knowing What to Do?

Knowing what to avoid helps prevent mistakes that can escalate emergencies or cause injury. For instance, running into dangerous areas without training or equipment can result in additional casualties. Ignoring evacuation orders might trap you in harm’s way. Spreading panic or rumors can slow rescue efforts by overwhelming emergency services.

Understanding common errors like not securing your environment, failing to communicate clearly, or neglecting personal safety empowers you to act deliberately and helpfully. This balance between dos and don’ts builds confidence, reduces risk, and supports better outcomes when every second counts.

For more detailed guidance on emergency preparedness and actions, see resources like What to Do in an Emergency and Why Knowing What to Do in an Emergency Is Important.

Frequently asked questions

How can I stay calm during an emergency?

Focus on slow, deep breaths and repeat a calming phrase like “I am safe.” Practicing emergency drills ahead of time also builds confidence, making it easier to stay calm when a real emergency occurs.

What if I don’t know first aid during a medical emergency?

Call 911 immediately and follow the dispatcher’s instructions. They can guide you through basic first aid steps until professional help arrives.

Should I always evacuate during an emergency?

Follow official advice. Some situations require sheltering in place, like tornadoes or chemical spills, while others like fires require immediate evacuation. Know your local emergency plans.

How do I prepare children for emergencies?

Teach them simple, clear steps and emergency contact information. Practice drills often, and keep emergency kits accessible with child-friendly items. Reassure them to reduce fear.

What if I can’t reach emergency services by phone?

Try texting if available or ask neighbors for help. Use social media or emergency apps if appropriate. Avoid repeatedly calling busy emergency lines.

Can I help strangers in an emergency?

Only if it is safe for you to do so and you have proper training like first aid. Otherwise, alert emergency responders immediately and provide information.