1 hold firmly to hats and loose articles.
2 never reach up or dart after a hat or other object that might be blown off or away.
3 protect eyes by shielding them with a hand or by squinting.
4 if suddenly blinded by dust or a blowing object, stop and crouch lower; or better yet, sit down and wait for help.
5 never grope or feel your way toward or away from the helicopter.

Since few helicopters carry cabin attendants, you, as the pilot, will have to conduct the pre-takeoff and pre-landing briefings. The type of operation dictates what sort of briefing is necessary. All briefings should include the following:
1 The use and operation of seatbelts for takeoff, en route, and landing.
2 For overwater flights, the location and use of flotation gear and other survival equipment that might be on board. You should also include how and when to abandon the helicopter should a ditching be necessary.
3 For flights over rough or isolated terrain, all occupants should be told where maps and survival gear are located.
4 Passengers should be instructed as to what actions and precautions to take in the event of an emergency, such as the body position for best spinal protection against a high vertical impact landing (erect with back firmly against the seat back); and when and how to exit after landing. Ensure that passengers are aware of the location of the fire extinguisher and survival equipment.
  5. Smoking should not be permitted within 50 feet of an aircraft on the ground. Smoking could be permitted, at the discretion of the pilot, except under the following conditions:
  during all ground operations.
  during, takeoff or landing.
  when carrying flammable or hazardous materials.

When passengers are approaching or leaving a helicopter that is sitting on a slope with the rotors turning, they should approach and depart downhill. This affords the greatest distance between the rotor blades and the ground. If this involves walking around the helicopter, they should always go around the front, never the rear. 

VERTICAL TAKEOFF TO A HOVER
A vertical takeoff, or takeoff to a hover, is a maneuver in which the helicopter is raised vertically from the surface to the normal hovering altitude (2 to 5 feet) with a minimum of lateral or longitudinal movement.
TECHNIQUE
Prior to any takeoff or maneuver, you should ensure that the area is clear of other traffic. Then, head the helicopter into the wind, if possible. Place the cyclic in the neutral position, with the collective in the full down position. Increase the throttle smoothly to obtain and maintain proper r.p.m., then raise the collective. Use smooth, continuous movement, coordinating the throttle to maintain proper r.p.m. As you increase the collective, the helicopter becomes light on the skids, and torque tends to cause the nose to swing or yaw to the right unless sufficient left antitorque pedal is used to maintain the heading. (On helicopters with a clockwise main rotor system, the yaw is to the left and right pedal must be applied.)