HOW TO SURVIVE A PLANE CRASH
The very best you can do in such a situation is very simple indeed. Have a plan. It may seem daft but research shows that those that do die in plane crashes may of survived had they known what to do and had a plan.
The Plan.
There are 4 stages to the plan.
- Before taking your flight.
- Once On Board.
- As the plane is going down.
- Once the plane has come to a stop.
1. Before the flight
Choose your seat carefully
Where you sit is crucial in maximising your chances of survival. Experts say that you should sit no more that 7 seats away from an emergency exit. So, pre-booking your seat or turning up early (very) at check-in should ensure this.
The most ideal seat to select would be on the rows with the doors or emergency exits next to them. Most people go after these seats because they want to get extra legroom. They forget that these seats come with a responsibility. You sacrifice having your hand baggage being stored elsewhere and having no seat table so that if you are involved in an emergency situation you can help to evacuate the aircraft quickly by opening an exit. If you don’t want the responsibility of opening the exit then don’t sit there.
Dress for Survival
Giving a little thought to your onboard wardrobe could be a lifesaver. To decide what outfit may save your life close your eyes and imagine having to get out of and run away from a burning aircraft. Flip flops and stilettos my look cool or sexy but when it comes to being quick on your feet they don’t cut it. Nor do shorts or mini skirts. They will not help you down the emergency slide.
Dress properly. Long trousers or jeans are good. On your feet wear lace up shoes. They can be loosened for comfort and you are not going to loose them if you have to run for your life.
2. Once On Board.
So you are settled in your seat don’t read your newspaper just yet.
Emergency exits
Look around you and see exactly where you are sitting. Make mental notes of exactly where the emergency exits and doors actually are. If the cabin fills with smoke it will be no good guessing where they may or might not be. That won’t save your life. Make a point of actually reading the safety card on every single flight you take. Not all planes are the same nor are all planes with the same airline the same.
Flight attendants
Your flight attendants are not there just to serve you with dinner and a large gin and tonic. Their primary job is to ensure your safety during the flight. So be sure to respect and listen carefully to what they have to say. They are very highly trained in all safety aspects of flying as well as all emergency procedures for the type of aircraft you are sitting on.
Alcohol
Don’t drink alcohol. A swift drink at 30,000 feet may settle your nerves but it won’t help you if you have to get out of the aircraft quickly. Alcohol will slow your reactions down and if you have had one too many you’re more than likely to become more disorientated in an emergency situation than if you were sober. Interestingly, a full bladder may also slow you down as well as increasing your chances of internal injuries.
3. As the plane is going down.
Your preparation checklist.
Time permitting:
· Put your seat belt on and fasten it as tightly as possible.
· Check and double check where all your emergency exits and doors are. Put them in order of priority and plan your route to each one. You may not be able to get to your nearest exit.
· Remove all sharp items from your person e.g. pencils, pens, false teeth, high-heeled shoes (you shouldn’t be wearing them) eye glasses etc.
· If you have time moisten a handkerchief or headrest cover with any liquid available (not alcohol) so if there is smoke after impact, you can hold it over your mouth.
· Your flight crew will give you bracing instructions. Do not ignore them. Again check the in flight safety card. Different seats will require different bracing positions. Be sure you know which one is ideal for the seat you are sitting in. Cover your head preferably with a pillow or use a jumper or coat. It is best to slide your feet forward until they touch the seat leg or under-seat baggage in front of you. In this position your legs are less likely to snap on impact.
4. Once the plane has come to a stop.
If you’re still alive
If you're still alive after the plane has come to a stop, you should do the one thing that is most likely to save your life. Get out of there as fast as you can.
Be aware that you maybe stunned. Do not wait to be told what to do. Your flight attendants themselves maybe stunned and fail to give you instructions right away.
Realize that by the time the other passengers finally get moving, the plane may filled with smoke and flames as well as panic-stricken passengers trampling all over each other trying to get out.
1. Undo your seat belt and make your way as quick as you can to the nearest exit. Don't take anything with you. You will need your hands free to help you balance and move quickly. You maybe stepping over luggage/bodies in the aisle or you might find yourself being pushed from behind by other panicking passengers trying to get out.
2. If the aisle is blocked, push the seats in front of you forward and walk over the top of them. Don't waste your time crawling/standing in the isle to avoid smoke or trying to form an orderly exit queue. You'll only end up being trampled by your fellow passengers.
3. When you arrive at an exit door, if it’s not open, look out the window to see if there is any fire. If there is, run to the other side of the plane and open the exit/door there.
4. Do not wait for other people/friends/family. Leave the aircraft with those nearest to you. Remember this is a life or death situation
There that’s it. You have a plan. Store it away in your mind and recall if you need to. Lets hope you never ever have to. If you do it may just save your life.
