your passport to a safe trip abroad
dealing with problems
should the worst happen
- Once
the plane comes to a halt, what you
do in the first 90 seconds may decide
your fate; knowledge of your surroundings
is crucial. Never release your seatbelt
until the plane comes to a complete
stop and you have observed your surroundings.
If you find yourself upside down,
releasing your seatbelt could prove
hazardous
- The
seat cushion floats do not work very
well in water because they are unstable
and force you to use energy to stay
up. Use them until you find a better
alternative, such as the exit chute
that can serve as a raft. The inflatable
safety vests are also good bets as
they keep your head above water even
if you are unconscious. When making
reservations, you should ask the airline
for flotation devices for children
and infants.
- If
traveling with your family, get seats
next to each other. Do not leave the
lives of loved ones in the hand of
panicky strangers.
- Before
removing an exit door or window, make
sure you see no fire outside. You
court disaster by allowing the fire
and smoke to draft inside.
- If
the window must be removed, sit down
to do it. If you stand, the person
behind you will be pushing you and
the window cannot be brought inside
before it releases. Your knees can
block panicky passengers until you
can move the window. The airlines'
placards instruct you to place the
removed exit window on the seat (it
saves money). the best thing to do
is to pull to release, rotate, then
throw the window out the opening to
get it out of the way.
- Do
not come out head first, unless it
is a water landing. You could be pushed
out, landing on your head. First put
out a leg, then your body, then your
other leg, thereby maintaining your
balance.
- If
the plane breaks apart, consider using
the new holes as exits.
- There
is an emergency rope in the cockpit.
If it is the only way out, close the
door behind you to block out the smoke,
pop out the window, and climb down.
This is not the best way to leave
the plane, but it might be your only
way.
-
If
the exit chute does not deploy, reach
down and pull the handle at the base
of the door jamb.
-
The
steeper the chute, the faster you
travel.
