Wally Wise Guy's Wise Words of the Week: Know How to Survive an Explosion

Not every explosion has a terrorism connection. Transformers and generators sometimes explode due to age or wear. The following are basic guidelines if you are near an explosion of any type.

On the Street:

• Regain your bearings. Determine if you are injured, and where the blast occurred.
• Move immediately in the opposite direction of the blast.
• Do not walk close to buildings, as glass and debris may still be falling.
• Once you are out of the danger area (at least three blocks), try to remember and write down any information you can about the event. Anything you can remember may be helpful later on.

In a Building:

• Regain your bearings. Determine if you are injured, and note structural damage.
• Quickly note secondary hazards – fire, smoke, toxic fumes and the smell of gas.
• Determine whether you should evacuate or shelter in place.
• Once clear of the danger area, record all information.

On a Train:

• Regain your bearings. Determine if you are injured and note structural damage.
• Quickly note secondary hazards – fire, smoke, toxic fumes.
• Both the tunnel and the train will be dark – move as slowly as is practical.
• Upon exiting the train, be careful to avoid the charged rail.
• Move as a group away from the train.