[ Reply | Next | Previous | Up ]
From: Delta Willis
Date: 23 Mar 2003
Time: 10:31:46
The safari flashlight is a useful item to carry in such cities as New York, per this briefing on how to survive a terrorist attack.
From a neighbor: "Tonight the Red Cross, and an independent disaster consultant (former Fire chief, police officer and paratrooper) came to my building to advise us on how to handle various terrorist scenarios. Skeptical New Yorker that I am, I had very low expectations for this presentation and thought its greatest virtue would be the catering, but I am very glad to have attended.
Here are some useful excerpts:
Department Stores/Public Places The consultant specifically identified Macy's Herald Square as a known target. And we know there are others, obviously. In the event that you have to escape a public place after an explosion, take note of the flooring material. If you are on a carpeted area, you want to move to a hard floor(i.e., granite). Carpet is used in low traffic areas near displays; hard flooring is used in high traffic areas near doors. Hard floor surfaces will lead you to an exit. Find the non-carpeted flooring and follow it one direction. If you cannot see, follow the non-carpeted floor to a wall, and follow the wall to an exit.
Subway Evacuation There are several sets of lights in the subway. Obviously, there are the traffic control lights: red, yellow, green. There are also blue lights. Under each blue light is a telephone and a power switch. You can use the power switch to turn off the power in the third rail. BUT, you must pick up the phone and speak to the dispatcher within one minute of turning off the power. Otherwise, he will automatically restore power after one minute.
The next set of lights you should identify is a set of five white lights. Five white lights indicate an escape hatch that goes directly to the street. It is operated by an ejection handle that will pop open the door on the street level -- even if there is a hotdog stand sitting on top of it (a good visual). He said, remember that a light in the cluster may have randomly burned out, so a cluster of four lights should get your attention, as well. A few details about the third rail. The third rail can be on either side of the train. Each car has four sets of wheels and four shoes. ALL shoes are charged regardless of which side the third rail is on. Do not step on the shoes. (You may need to walk around a subway car in the event of an evacuation.) The third rail is covered by a piece of wood that dates to the early 20th century. Do not step on it, sit on it or touch it in any way.
Stopping an oncoming train: To stop an oncoming subway, wave a flashlight (see below) in a horizontal motion -- from side to side. This is a universally recognized stop signal. Keep in mind that it can take a train half a mile to stop. Start signaling well in advance.
Chemical Attacks The safest bet in a chemical attack is to get to a high floor. Chemicals are heavier than air and will quickly sink into subways and basements. So, if your escape plan includes a basement shelter, remember that it will not be safe in the event of a chemical attack. If your route includes an elevator, remember that an elevator shaft acts as a chimney and pulls air from the street up through the shaft. A staircase will probably give you a better chance.
Flashlights Our managing agent reports an emerging trend that buildings west of Park are beginning to order gas masks for all shareholders. Our safety expert advised, however, that he felt the single biggest safety advantage is to carry a flashlight at all times, and to note exits every time you walk into a building."
I hope you have no occasion to use this information, but being informed and prepared diminishes anxiety.