“You can never be too prepared,” the saying goes. But how do you prepare for occurrences that aren’t common in your everyday life?

Here, we help you get ready to handle some safety- and health-related situations you might find yourself facing.

If you just …

Sprained or twisted your ankle

Remember RICE:

Rest

Ice (15 to 20 minutes three times a day)

Compression

Elevation

“Rest your ankle as much as possible for the first 24 to 48 hours,” Harvard Health advises. “In the first 24 hours, avoid anything that might increase swelling, such as hot showers, hot packs or heat rubs.”

Contact your health care provider if the swelling doesn’t go down after 48 hours.

Noticed changes to a lithium-ion battery

Take a closer look. Things to be concerned about, according to the National Fire Protection Association, include:

• Odor
• A change in color
• It’s hot to the touch
• A change in shape
• Leakage or noises

If you observe any of these, stop using the battery. 
“If it’s safe to do so, move the device away from anything that can catch fire,” the NFPA says. “Call 911.”

Lost or cracked a tooth

First, call your dentist to make an emergency appointment. After that, the American Dental Association says, you should “try placing the tooth back in the socket without touching the root.” If you can’t do it, put the tooth between your cheek and gums, in a dish of milk, or “use a tooth preservation product that has the ADA Seal of Acceptance.”

If you crack a tooth, rinse your mouth with warm water to help clean the area. Cold compresses on your face can help reduce swelling. Visit your dentist as soon as you can.

Started a cooking fire

Don’t move the pan, the U.S. Fire Administration says. Leave it where it is. Then:

• Slide a lid or baking sheet on top of the pan.
• Turn off the stovetop burner.
• Don’t remove the lid until the pan cools down.

“Never try to stop a grease or oil fire with water,” the USFA adds. “When in doubt, just get out. Call the fire department from outside.”

Broke a fluorescent light bulb

Don’t try to vacuum up the pieces or simply sweep them up and toss them in the garbage. The danger here is exposure to mercury – which is serious. The Environmental Protection Agency lays out the steps you should follow:

• Clear the room of people and pets.
• Open a window and/or door to air out the area. Leave open for five to 10 minutes.
• Turn off the air conditioner or furnace.
• Gather the materials you’ll need to clean up: stiff paper or cardboard, tape, damp paper towels or wet wipes, and a glass jar with a metal lid or a sealable plastic bag.
• Collect all the broken glass and visible powder. “Scoop up glass fragments and powder using stiff paper or cardboard. Use sticky tape, such as duct tape, to pick up any remaining small glass fragments and powder. Place the used tape in the glass jar or plastic bag. Place cleanup materials in a sealable container.”
• Put the materials outside in a trash container.
• Find out what the local disposal requirements are for your area. If there aren’t any, dispose of the materials with your household trash.

Burned yourself

Treat a first-degree burn by following these steps from the American Academy of Dermatology:

• Cool the burn area by running cool water over it for about 10 minutes or until it stops hurting. You could also use a cold, wet compress.
• Smear petroleum jelly on the burn area two to three times a day.
• Cover it with a nonstick bandage.

For more serious burns, get emergency help.

Got a sunburn

Head indoors, UCLA Health says. Then, be gentle with the burned area. A cool bath or shower may provide relief – but don’t rub your skin. Instead, “blot and pat” it with a soft towel. Moisturize the area often by putting lotion or aloe vera on damp skin. Drink a lot of water to hydrate your skin more.

Is your skin blistering? That indicates the burn is a second-degree one. Don’t touch the blisters! UCLA Health warns that “popping blisters or removing peeling skin can lead to infection.”

Found a lost or abandoned pet

Approach with caution, the American Humane Society advises, and speak in a calm, gentle voice. If you believe the animal is aggressive, don’t try to touch it. It’s best to leave it to the experts, so call local animal control or the nonemergency police line. Provide as many details as you can.

If the animal allows you to get near it – and you feel safe doing so – you can try to rescue it using a leash 
for a dog or a carrier for a cat. Wearing protective gloves is always a good idea. Then, check the animal for a collar or an ID tag. Contact the owner to arrange a return.

If you’re unable to get in touch with the owner, contact a local veterinarian, animal shelter or animal control. The pet may have a microchip that can be scanned and used to locate its owner.