Everyone’s living situation has that one unsettling thing they would like to change. The fact that changing things like a creaky elevator or living in a construction site is often out of your control can be stressful. While some of these things cannot be changed, their repercussions can be prepared for. Here is how to survive the threats your living space throws at you.
If you live in Kilachand Hall: What to do if your elevator falls
Most who live in Kilachand are aware of the fear typically felt while taking a ride in the elevator. They shudder, lurch, creak, and sway in a way that strikes fear into the bravest of hearts. As you travel down the elevator shaft for a brief moment you wonder if the machine is going to stop. At the last moment, it does but it still leaves you wary. If the elevator plummets downwards here is what you should do. Drop to the floor of the elevator and lie on your stomach. Protect your face and head. The impact will be distributed throughout your whole body increasing your chances of survival.
If you live in Warren Towers: What to do if there is a fire
So many people and so many floors. The drills are manageable but the real deal could change things a bit. Before even leaving your room, touch the door to make sure it is not hot. If it is cool bring towels and sheets to the bathroom and soak them in cold water. Use them to cover your mouth and head. This will make it easier to breathe if the hall is filled with smoke. Find the emergency exit and book it down those stairs. If your door is hot, stay put. Open your window slightly and turn off any fans you have. They can draw smoke into the room. Use a flashlight or sheet to signal for help out of your window. Never jump. In extreme cases, you can tie your bed sheets into a rope using a square knot.
If you live in Myles Standish: How to protect yourself from construction site danger
Myles will be good and renovated by August, but for the time being you should be safe around the construction zone. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, the main cause of injury in these areas is falling objects like hammers and poorly secured crane loads. Be sure to walk underneath the tunnels on the sidewalks. They are there for a reason. You also can purchase your very own hard hat for safety.
If you live in South Campus: How to find and trap a mouse
It is not unheard of to find a mouse in your apartment. Mice can be unsanitary and do not help you pay for housing, so it is best to get rid of them. Chasing a mouse around with a broom will just tire you out. Instead, you must track the mouse to its nest. Look for dark, hidden locations and follow the droppings. You can make your own trap out an old bucket with some string tied around it. Prop the bucket up and leave some food underneath. When the mouse goes for whatever tasty snack the buckets hold, pull the string and trap the mouse. You may then either release the mouse at least a mile away from your apartment so it never returns or you can give it clothes and teach it how to make dresses for you. The choice is yours.
If you live in Danielsen Hall: How to survive a long distance walk
Danielson feels like it is miles away from the rest of BU civilization. Residents are forced to walk great distances to reach their classes. Such hikes can lead to hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), dehydration, and muscle injury. Be sure to carry water and snacks with you to replenish your weak body after your trek. Compression, elevation, and ice can treat mild pulls and sprains. The BU Shuttle is also a viable option.
If you live in StuVi: More fire advice
StuVi has the same fire risks that Warren Towers does. The main difference is that StuVi has bathrooms in each of the rooms. If your door is hot and you are unable to leave the room, still soak sheets and towels. Open a window, and make a tent over yourself so you can breathe in the air from outside. This tent will protect you from heat and smoke.
As a semi-neurotic person who does tend to dedicate some time to thinking about threatening situations and what I would do in them, this research provided me with some peace of mind. Being prepared for the worst helps me dwell on it a little less. I am free to go about my business with the knowledge that I will be ready if something goes wrong.
For more preparedness, check out The Complete Worst Case Scenario Survival Handbook by Joshua Piven and David Borgenicht, where much of this information came from.
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