The new book What Do I Do If…?, written by Eric Grzymkowski and published by Adams Media, offers up solutions to some common (and concerning) scenarios. Here a few tips and tricks we picked up from the book, available from amazon.com.
What Do I Do If…I Lose My Wallet
1. Rule out places it isn’t. “By thinking back to the last place you remember having your wallet, you can immediately rule out all the locations you traveled to before that time. Call every restaurant, retail store and other location you’ve been in since you last used your wallet and see if someone has handed it in.” Leave your name and contact information with each.
2. Catalog everything in your wallet. “Once your wallet goes missing, sit down and make a list of everything contained in your wallet. Don’t forget things like museum passes, library cards and gym memberships. Ordering replacements now will save you from having to deal with it last minute when you actually need to use them.”
3. Hope for the best, but assume the worst. “While there’s always a chance a good Samaritan will come through for you, it’s best to assume your wallet is never coming back. If it’s in the hands of an especially dishonest passerby–or even worse, a professional thief–the longer you wait to accept that fact, the worse off you’ll be. So grab your list of what was in your wallet, because the sooner you get on the phone to place holds on your cards, the easier it will be for you to dispute any fraudulent charges.
What Do I Do If…A Car Hits Me While I’m Walking
If you live in a pedestrian-heavy city, this has crossed your mind at least once or twice. Grzymkowski suggests the following:
1. Anticipate the accident. “As a pedestrian, you have a much wider field of vision than someone driving a car, and it’s possible you will have a small amount of time to react to the impending impact. While it may just be an instant, this could be more than enough time to save your life. If there’s time, grasp your hands together at the back of your head and tuck your head down toward your chest [to protect your head]. Most modern cars are equipped with safety glass, which will help cushion the blow. Try to roll your way up and over the roof of the car to avoid being propelled ahead of the car then underneath its tires.”
2. Get help and keep movements to a minimum. “Although you may not immediately be aware of something serious due to the adrenaline and other hormones coursing through your system, the safest option is to assume the worst. It’s possible you may have sustained serious neck or back injuries, which could be exacerbated should you attempt to move. Do not attempt to stand up and walk around. You should only move if your position in the road puts you at risk for being run over by another passing car.”
3. Exchange information. “Assuming your injuries do not prevent you from communicating with the driver, you should get his or her name, phone number and insurance information as you wait for the ambulance to arrive. This will allow you to file a police report, as well as open a claim with the driver’s insurance company to cover the cost of any medical expenses. If possible, also take down the name and number of anyone nearby who may have witnessed the accident.”
Check out What Do I Do If…? for additional scenarios and tips.
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