How can I survive a disaster?

Good luck with the show Cade!
Mark
++++++++++++++++++++++++

Ever wonder how you would react if disaster struck? Would you freeze up or flee, arms flailing? While there's no reason to be overly paranoid, you do need a plan of action, says Cade Courtley, a former Navy SEAL and host of “Surviving Disaster,” which premieres on Spike TV on Tuesday. Here are some tips on how to survive some potential San Diego disasters, natural or otherwise:

Shark attack

What to do: Brace yourself against something like a reef so you can see the shark approaching. If you are in the open water with a buddy, Courtley suggests going back-to-back to make sure the shark doesn't sneak up on you.

If the shark approaches you, hit it with whatever you have handy – your fist, a fishing spear, a camera. Courtley says if you see a shark roll his eyes back, he's ready to attack.

What not to do: The last thing you want to do is play dead. By hitting the shark, you've let them know you are not an easy meal.

Don't flail about, because that will just cause more trouble.

Don't swim or dive at night or near dusk when sharks are more likely to be out.

Stay away from kelp beds where sharks tend to eat.

Remember: Most types of sharks won't bother you, says Rich Sillanpa, president of Diving Connection in San Diego. The only sharks that could give you real problems are Mako, known for their speed, or Great White, he says.

Wildfire

What to do: Close windows and doors but leave them unlocked for firefighters.

Shut off gas.

Heed evacuation warnings.

Wear protective clothing – long pants and shirts.

Bring blankets.

Don't have time to evacuate? The Federal Emergency Management Agency advises the following:

If you are in a car, turn off the ignition, close the vents and roll up the windows.

Get on the floor and cover yourself with a blanket or large coat. Wait until the fire passes. It may get hot, but metal gas tanks rarely explode.

If at home, gather everyone together. Stay inside and away from the outside walls.

If on foot, get as far as you can from trees, shrubs or other types of “fuel.” Find or dig a ditch and lie facedown. Cover yourself if you can.

What not to do: Don't drive into heavy smoke.

Don't leave your car if the fire is overtaking you. You are safer in your car than on foot, FEMA advises.

Remember: If Santa Ana winds pick up, act quickly. Store items like lawn chairs or barbecues inside, says Yvette Urrea Moe, a spokeswoman for San Diego County's Office of Emergency Services. Things like that can blow into and break windows, making your house more susceptible to fire.

Boat capsizing

What to do: Stay with the boat, because it is easier for rescuers to spot than a person, Courtley says.

Keep your life vest on.

If there is not enough room on the overturned boat, take turns being in and out of the water. Even if the water is 85 degrees, you could die from hypothermia if you are stuck there for days, Courtley says.

When in the water, get into a fetal position to maintain as much warmth as possible, Sillanpa says.

What not to do: Don't swim off to find help. Stick together.

Remember: Come prepared. Bring enough life vests. Pack water – a 2-gallon container of fresh water will float to the top.

Have something to signal with, whether it be a radio, flares or a flashlight. Even a mirror or a CD is useful, as its reflection can be seen as far as 15 miles away, Courtley says.

Earthquake

What to do: Climb under a sturdy table or piece of furniture to protect yourself from falling debris.

Hold on tight until the shaking stops.

Move away from windows.

After the shaking stops, check to see if there is a gas leak.

If there is, turn your gas off. Go to sdge.com/safety/naturalgas/shutoffGas.shtml for detailed instructions on how to safely turn off your gas.

What not to do: Don't position yourself in a doorjamb. That's outdated advice. It doesn't protect your head from falling objects and could result in injuries.

Stay away from heavy furniture, lighting fixtures or anything else that can fall.

Don't run outside while the earth is still shaking. FEMA says that most injuries occur when people in buildings try to escape to a different location.

Don't turn your gas back on. Have SDG&E do it.

Remember: If you are trapped in debris, cover your mouth, Courtley says. Don't shout or scream for help because you can inhale a dangerous amount of dust.

Shooting rampage

What to do: Seek solid cover like a wall – quickly.

Make sure you are running away from – not to – the shooter or shooters.

Figure out an escape route.

Limit exposure by running in short bursts from cover to cover. “Think: 'I'm up, I'm running, I'm down,' ” Courtley advises.

What not to do: Don't hide behind something like a store clothing rack. Solid cover “is something that can stop a bullet,” Courtley says.

Don't freeze up. If you are dealing with shooters whose only aim is to kill, staying put makes you a sitting duck.

Don't run long distances. If you run 50 yards, the shooter will be able to easily target you.

Remember: “If you make it through the first five to 10 seconds of an ambush, you have a good chance of surviving,” Courtley says.