Discuss what you would do in the situations described below. Remember that presence of mind comes out of a state of mental preparedness. If you have thought about possible problems ordangers, and about how to act in such situations, you have a better chance of dealing with such situations if they do arise. • A small fire starts in your kitchen. • A child starts to choke on a piece of food. • An electrical appliance starts to hiss and gives out sparks. • A bicycle knocks down a pedestrian. • It rains continuously for more than twenty-four hours. • A member of your family does not return home at the usual or expected time. You may suggest other such situations.

(i) A fire in the kitchen is the most dangerous thing one can encounter. There are many inflammable things in the kitchen specially the gas cylinder. A fire in the kitchen can cause enormous damage not just to the kitchen but to the entire household. The presence of cylinder is the most dangerous thing as it can easily catch fire and may blast. Such a burst can be of any extent claiming entire house and lives as well. In such a situation, I will first switch off the regulator and turn the knob in the off direction. I will then open all the doors and windows and switch off the main power supply of the house. I will never use water to put it off but use sand, instead.

(ii) This can happen when the child is eating or playing. I will try and keep my cool and not panic in this situation. I will first pat on the back of the child very gently and give him some water to drink. I will keep rubbing his back until he feels better and relieved.

(iii) A sparking electrical appliance is as dangerous as a fire in the kitchen. I will cut off the main switch first. I will not touch any other switch. I will always remember to keep water away from such an appliance as it may be very dangerous and result in fire.

(iv) If a bicycle knocks down a pedestrian, I will not laugh at him. I will go to him and help him to stand. I will try and take him to the nearest clinic or hospital if he is hurt and will try to provide him first aid. If it is severe, I will call his/her parents or family.

(v) Continuous rain will cause water logging. It will make the drains over flow if good sanitation measures are not adopted. If water is not wiped out it will stand and cause breeding of mosquitoes. I will try and clean my premises and drains so that water flows on well.

(vi) If a member of my family does not return home at the usual or expected time and I am not able to communicate with him/her, I might become restless. Such a moment will scare me badly. I will first call his/her colleagues and friends. Even then if I do not get any information I will seek help from my elders and check at the place where he/she usually goes. If all attempts prove futile, I will ask my elders to lodge a police complaint immediately.