What the Harvard Hall fire taught me about preparing for the unthinkable

Last night I found myself jolted awake in the middle of the night due to a major fire in my apartment building, Harvard Hall.

While standing outside and awaiting the all clear, I distracted myself from the cold by compiling a mental list of "take aways" from the ordeal, so that I (and all of you!) would be more thoroughly prepared in the future.

• The Plan: What is your rapid evacuation plan? What are the 3 or 5 steps, in sequential order, that you will take if forced to evacuate? Memorize the plan now, so that it goes on auto-pilot if the need arises. In her book, The Unthinkable, Amanda Ripley points out that such pre- planning is a central part of military preparedness training.
  

• The Alarm: Most of us know to check our own alarms, but do you know the last time your building assessed its alarm system? Perhaps one of the scariest part of the fire at Harvard Hall last night was that many of us (myself included) could not hear the alarm.
  

• The Essentials: Put together an emergency bag that includes a cloth to protect your face from smoke, weather appropriate clothing, $20, etc. Keep the bag in a very accessible, easy to remember place, such as right under the bed near the edge. I *completely* failed to prepare in this regard, and suffered dearly as a result-- standing outside in shorts, boots and my winter coat for over an hour! On this same note, try to keep your essential items (wallet, phone etc) in one easy to find, easy to grab place.
  

• The Community: Know your neighbors, and create a mental post evacuation check list! Looking out for one another we can more effectively ensure that everyone gets out safely and swiftly.
  

• The Pets: What is your contingency plans for your pets? Do you have one of those stickers on the door that alerts fire professionals that there are pets indoors?

Although I may not have been as prepared as I would have liked, I credit the extent to which I was prepared, and the calm way in which I handled the ordeal, to having read The Unthinkable and The Survivors Club. Both of those books are full of wisdom, case studies, and tips about handling the most unexpected of situations.

If you have any thoughts on, or additions to this list, please share them in the comments section!

Personal note: I would like to express my sincerest gratitude to the DCFD who handled the situation swiftly and professionally. Also, the woman whose apartment caught fire initially experienced severe burns on over 60% of her body. Please do include her among your positive thoughts and prayers. Will update everyone on her condition as time passes.