As part of Unified Safety Day on September 24, an alarm signal will sound nationwide. While this is a drill, the response procedures practiced today are designed for real-life emergencies.
Heads of enterprises and organizations play a key role in this event. They are responsible for organizing practical evacuation drills and ensuring every employee understands the required course of action. Educational institutions—from kindergartens to universities—are conducting life safety classes and evacuation drills. Interactive stations are being set up in public areas where the Ministry of Emergency Situations, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, OSVOD (Water Rescue Society), the Red Cross, and gas utility services demonstrate how to respond to emergencies and administer first aid. All of this helps reinforce skills that, in a real-life scenario, rely on muscle memory.
Knowing the proper response procedures for accidents, fires, disasters, and terrorist attacks is what distinguishes a controlled situation from panic. Let’s review the basic rules of conduct for the most likely threats.
Discovery of Explosives and Terrorism
Danger does not always look threatening. Sometimes it is revealed by a detail that seems out of place. If you notice a suspicious object, an unattended bag, or an unusual vehicle, suppress your curiosity. Under no circumstances should you attempt to neutralize, touch, move, or open the item yourself. Immediately move at least 100 meters away and report the discovery to instructors, the police, or emergency responders. Be sure to wait for the specialists to arrive so you can point out the exact location. The same rule applies to terrorist threats: do not touch unattended items or use a mobile phone near them. If taken hostage, it is crucial to remain calm, comply with demands, and immediately switch your phone to silent mode. During a rescue operation, lie face down on the floor, cover your head with your hands, and strictly follow the instructions of the assault team.
Technogenic Accidents
Incidents involving radiation, chemicals, mercury, or structural collapses require different responses, but they share a common principle: the sooner you recall the safety rules, the greater your chances of avoiding serious consequences. For instance, if you learn of radioactive contamination, immediately turn on a local radio or television station, listen carefully to the information, and warn your neighbors. Promptly close windows and doors, seal the room, store food safely, and stock up on water. Take anti-radiation medication only if instructed to do so by medical personnel. If an evacuation is announced, proceed to the designated assembly point, making sure to bring your documents, food, personal belongings, and any personal protective equipment.
In the event of a hazardous chemical release, the procedure is similar: quickly close windows and ventilation systems, then exit the contaminated area by moving perpendicular to the wind direction. Be sure to protect your airways with a damp cloth. If a thermometer breaks and mercury spills indoors, you must absolutely not attempt to clean it up with a vacuum cleaner or a broom. Instead, put on gloves, carefully collect the mercury droplets into a jar of water, ventilate the room, treat the surfaces with a potassium permanganate solution, and call 112.
Building collapses require special attention. In such situations, do not block evacuation routes, and strictly avoid using elevators while the collapse is occurring. The safest course of action is to take cover near load-bearing walls or beneath structural beams. If you find yourself trapped in debris, it is important to remain calm, signal for help by shouting or knocking, and wait for rescuers. If a limb is crushed, bandage it tightly, apply a cold compress, administer a painkiller, and call an ambulance.
Fire
Fire leaves no time for hesitation. That is why, in a critical moment, people act according to their training habits—and in this case, habit can save a life.
If a fire breaks out at the workplace, the primary task is to begin evacuation and call the fire department at 101 or 112. Additionally, you should meet the fire crews, show them access routes and water sources, shut down ventilation and electrical equipment, and halt production operations. Never use the elevator, and if there are casualties, call an ambulance immediately. You should cut the power, close windows and doors, and restrict oxygen flow to the fire only if doing so does not cause even a second’s delay.
The psychology of behavior during a fire often leads people to run back the way they came—yet that very path may be cut off by smoke. Training exercises therefore emphasize a different approach: move toward the nearest emergency exit—even if it is unfamiliar—and do not waste time gathering personal belongings. Since smoke rises, the concentration of carbon monoxide is lower near the floor; it is best to move by crawling or staying on all fours along a wall. You should breathe through a damp cloth, such as a handkerchief, scarf, or towel. These are simple rules, but they provide the crucial minutes that often make the difference between life and death.
Natural Disasters and Emergencies
In the event of an earthquake, the priority is to leave the building quickly and move to an open area. If this is not possible, seek shelter near load-bearing walls, away from windows. In the event of landslides, mudflows, or floods, leave the danger zone immediately or move to higher ground. To protect yourself from hurricanes and tornadoes, follow a simple rule: close windows, take shelter in a basement or a windowless room, and stay away from trees and power lines. During forest fires, always move perpendicular to the direction of the fire and breathe through a damp cloth; during disease outbreaks, simply maintaining good hygiene, avoiding crowds, and seeking timely medical attention is sufficient.
Emergency Situations and Evacuation
Every emergency begins with a signal and concludes with organized action. As soon as the signal sounds, turn on the radio or television, listen carefully to the information provided, and strictly follow the instructions. Before leaving home, remember to shut off the electricity, gas, and water, and close all windows and doors. Take essential items with you, including documents, money, food, basic necessities, protective gear, and medication. Be sure to register upon arrival at the designated assembly point. Remember that children, the elderly, and people with disabilities are evacuated first.
First Aid
Ordinary people are often the first on the scene before an ambulance arrives. Simple skills can save a life, so it is important for everyone to know them.
If a victim is bleeding heavily, try to stop the bleeding, apply a tourniquet, and elevate the injured limb. For someone pulled from the water, you must clear their airways, remove any water, perform CPR if necessary, and call an ambulance immediately. In the case of fractures, it is important to apply a splint that immobilizes the two adjacent joints. For burns, cool the injured area with water and cover it with a clean, dry cloth. In the event of gas poisoning, the priority is to get the person into fresh air as quickly as possible and call an ambulance.
"Safety Day" is not about fear. It is about the habit of acting correctly when you are afraid.
