Surviving in the city requires a very different set of skills – self defence, learning to blend in, situational awareness and more. This week, let's take a look at what survival strategies we, the people of Dhaka city, need to learn in order to sustain in this concrete jungle.
Learn to save
When you're living in Dhaka, setting aside extra cash for survival situations is a skill that you must learn. It can help you get through by paying people to do things for you, and you never know when it comes in handy.Know your neighbourhood
In this day and age, it has become very important to reach out and get to know the people who live around you. Maintaining a good relationship with the members of your community can come in handy during various situations. Talk to your neighbours, and try to gather an idea of where they come from and what their intentions might be. Try to come up with a plan by talking among yourselves, so that you can help each other during a crisis or an emergency.Know how to use a first aid kit
We all have first aid kits at our homes, but how many of us seriously know how to use it properly during a dangerous situation? When faced with an extreme situation, many of us do not know how to use the first aid kit. Therefore, it is imperative for each of us, especially those who are living in cities, to learn how to use a first aid kit when an emergency strikes.Learn to evaluate the risks
When you're heading to an unfamiliar area, one must learn to assess what risks they might be facing. This makes you prepared, both mentally and physically, to handle any hazardous situation at any given time. The first and foremost step is not to carry any expensive items – be it jewellery or gadgets or anything else. Another good idea is to dress so that you blend in and don't stand out much among unknown people, so as not to call excessive attention to yourself.Situational awareness
When you're living in Dhaka, teach yourself to actively look for signs of threat. The number of crimes being committed these days, especially in our country, is on the rise and it is very important to learn how to protect yourself and your family from any impending danger. The probability of a crime happening can be anywhere, but there are some signs which may come in handy. Avoid going through areas that tend to be dark and quiet, such as parking garages, alleys, stairs, and lonely roadways, especially during the evening or at night. As you enter these areas, look around for things that don’t seem quite right. Always trust your instinct and stay alert.Learn to negotiate
When living in a city like Dhaka, learning to negotiate and barter is an important skill to learn. Starting from buying food for yourself to closing an important business deal – this is a skill that you can apply almost everyday. You should learn how to get what you need at a fair price by knowing what to say, how to say it and when to say it.When nature strikes back
The modern urban landscape of Dhaka is full of dangers that become more evident during a natural disaster.Earthquake: During an earthquake, the simplest way to safeguard yourself and your family is to get out of your home as quickly as possible. Run outside to an open area which is not surrounded by tall buildings, or cover your head under some support until the earthquake passes away. Flood: Rushing out during floods isn't a great idea. Try to stay inside your home, but first make sure to gather sufficient food and purified drinking water for yourself and your family members. Don’t leave your home until the situation becomes worse for you, and someone is there to help. Fire: If a fire breaks out, try to exit your home as safely as possible. Do not try to grab your phone, valuables, or your other important possessions. Your only concern is to get out of there as fast as possible. You should be getting yourself and your family members out safely.
