Well the gauge is your warning mechanism. The dummy lights are a very last resort and if you dropped a hose, fluid could leave so fast that the lights wouldn't have had time to warn you anyway. Did the hose bust or just the fastener?

Not sure what the big deal is, replace the hose, fill the radiator...job done. Unless you think you have damaged internals?? If you heard knocking I would check your oil as well.

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