For clogged drains, use a flange plunger on toilets and a cup plunger on sinks. Ensure a tight seal, push down gently, then pull up sharply. Repeat 5-10 times to create pressure waves that dislodge blockages.
Keep a list of local shelters, their hours, and requirements. Save it on your phone and have a physical copy in your bag.
Know your building’s fire escape routes. Practice them with your family. Do not store items in stairwells, which block exits.
Some gyms have 24-hour access and can provide a safe, warm space. Check membership policies or day passes for temporary use.
Some libraries stay open late or have 24-hour reading rooms. They are safe, warm, and quiet places to rest if you have nowhere else to go. Check local hours.
Convenience stores with 24-hour access can provide a temporary safe space to rest (if polite) or buy essential supplies. Keep a small stash of water and snacks in your bag for emergencies.
If homeless or displaced, identify the nearest 24-hour establishments (hotels, laundromats, hospitals) that offer temporary shelter. Keep a list of local shelters and their intake hours.
Do not rub frostbitten skin. Warm the area gradually using body heat or warm (not hot) water. Do not walk on frostbitten feet if possible. Seek medical attention immediately.
Early signs include shivering, confusion, and slurred speech. As hypothermia progresses, shivering stops, skin turns blue/pale, and the person becomes lethargic. Immediate action: move to shelter, remove wet clothes, insulate the body with dry layers and body heat.
Apply direct pressure with a clean cloth for 5-10 minutes. Do not peek to check if bleeding stopped. If blood soaks through, add more cloth on top. Elevate the wound above the heart if possible.
