Learning a language isn’t just about being able to hold a conversation in a restaurant or ask for directions. One of the most critical aspects of language ability is being able to communicate in situations of urgency or danger. Knowing essential words for safety and emergencies can be life-saving. Below is a list of vital Chinese words and phrases that you should familiarize yourself with, and how they might be used in practical situations.

安全 (ān quán) – Safety
This word is used to refer to safety and can be found in various contexts, like public safety announcements.
请注意个人安全。
(Please pay attention to personal safety.)

紧急 (jǐn jí) – Emergency
A term to indicate an urgent situation that requires immediate attention.
这是一个紧急情况。
(This is an emergency situation.)

救护车 (jiù hù chē) – Ambulance
The vehicle used to transport medical patients to treatment facilities.
我们需要叫一辆救护车。
(We need to call an ambulance.)

消防车 (xiāo fáng chē) – Fire engine
A vehicle designed for firefighting operations.
消防车刚刚赶到现场。
(The fire engine has just arrived at the scene.)

警察 (jǐng chá) – Police officer
An officer charged with maintaining public order and safety.
如果你遇到麻烦，你应该立刻报警察。
(If you’re in trouble, you should immediately call the police.)

急救 (jí jiù) – First aid
The immediate assistance given to any person suffering from either a minor or serious illness or injury.
我们需要对他进行急救。
(We need to administer first aid to him.)

逃生口 (táo shēng kǒu) – Emergency exit
A special exit for emergencies such as a fire.
火警时，请迅速走向逃生口。
(In case of fire, please quickly go to the emergency exit.)

疏散 (shū sàn) – Evacuate
To remove (someone) from a place of danger to a safer place.
大楼发生火灾，大家请立即疏散。
(The building is on fire, everyone please evacuate immediately.)

急诊室 (jí zhěn shì) – Emergency room
The part of a hospital especially equipped and staffed for emergency care.
他被立即送往急诊室。
(He was immediately taken to the emergency room.)

地震 (dì zhèn) – Earthquake
The shaking of the surface of the Earth resulting from a sudden release of energy in the Earth’s lithosphere.
地震来临时，请躲在坚固的桌子下。
(When an earthquake occurs, please hide under a sturdy table.)

火灾 (huǒ zāi) – Fire
Conflagration, an uncontrolled burning which can cause damage and destruction.
一旦发生火灾，迅速离开建筑物。
(In the event of a fire, leave the building quickly.)

救生衣 (jiù shēng yī) – Life jacket
A sleeveless jacket or vest that is filled with buoyant materials, used to keep a person afloat in water.
乘船时，请务必穿上救生衣。
(Please make sure to wear a life jacket when taking a boat.)

毒品 (dú pǐn) – Poison, drugs
Refers to harmful substances or illegal narcotics.
请远离毒品，保护自己。
(Please stay away from drugs to protect yourself.)

求救 (qiú jiù) – Call for help
A plea or request for assistance in a dire situation.
如果你陷入危险，大声求救。
(If you’re in danger, call for help loudly.)

报警 (bào jǐng) – To alarm, report to police
To notify the police of a crime or disturbance.
我要报警，有人闯入了我的家。
(I need to report to the police, someone has broken into my home.)

防火 (fáng huǒ) – Fire prevention
Measures are taken to reduce the destruction caused by fire.
在干燥的季节里，我们应特别注意防火。
(During the dry season, we should pay special attention to fire prevention.)

Being able to recognize and correctly use these words can make a significant difference when you find yourself or others in a precarious situation. Take the time to practice them and, hopefully, you won’t ever need to use them. Stay safe!