I'm writing this in light of recent events that yet again stirred up some chaos in the South African furry community. I'm not going to mention what happened. And trust me it happened a few times before. So don't even ask.
We live in a dangerous world where incidents sometimes occurs which we all wish wouldn't. We are human beings who can and will at some point experience pain, damage and death. This is why emergency services are an important part of society. It is a big chunk out of your tax money to insure fast and effective personnel on site in light of such events.
The way to react is sometimes a problem I'm noticing, even though its been systematically explained to people since primary school for good reason. So let me reiterate. If you're in distress whether it's a fire, you're being assaulted, or whatever qualifies, with the access and the ability to contact emergency services. DO SO IMMEDIATELY!
DO NOT INFORM YOUR FRIEND OF THE SITUATION YOU'RE IN FIRST!
If you're fine, 100% sure of it and see no reason for emergency services. DO NOT CAUSE A PANIC WITH VAGUE COMMUNICATION TO YOUR FRIENDS OR FAMILY!
(If you were attacked or assaulted but still fine, PHONE THE DAMN POLICE TO RID US OF THESE PERPETRATORS!)
If for some reason you can only contact said friend or family member do so with as much information as you can. Exact location is helpful, your REAL name and phone number. This is where the following applies.
If you have reason to believe someone you know is in distress and needs this assistance CONTACT EMERGENCY SERVICES IMMEDIATELY!
DO NOT INFORM YOUR FRIEND OF THE SITUATION YOUR OTHER FRIEND IS IN FIRST!
DO NOT COMMUNICATE THE INFORMATION ON SOCIAL MEDIA OR SIMILAR PLATFORMS FIRST!
If you have reason to believe someone you know is in distress and needs this assistance but could not obtain some information CONTACT EMERGENCY SERVICES IMMEDIATELY!
They will acquire information so give them what you have and explain the situation thoroughly as with any incident.
If you can obtain information AFTER contacting emergency services, do so and contact them again with the updated information. TRY NOT TO CAUSE A PANIC! BE DESCRIPTIVE ABOUT THE SITUATION WHEN ACQUIRING WHAT YOU NEED!
If for some reason all of the above failed, there is panic and people are running around not knowing what to do and you're on the end this ridiculous telephone game. Contact emergency services if necessary and explain the ENTIRE SITUATION as you are experiencing it. Who sent the message, what platform, etc...
This last part is important because they'll need to know what they are dealing with. Misuse of emergency services is a criminal offense therefor you have to tell the truth exactly. Afterwards they'll hand out the slaps to whoever was responsible for the telephone game.
I have to stress how important it is for furries to understand the implications of their actions. I know a lot of furs that would immediately try and assist. There is no reason to either joke around about this stuff or play games with people. If there's at least one thing the fandom should take seriously it's this.
