I was recently with a friend who survived the United Airlines flight that “landed” in the Hudson River and it made me start thinking about whether or not there were things I could do to increase my chances of survival if I were ever in a plane crash. I did a little research and wanted to share some quick tips I learned.
Some do’s:
1. Pay attention during the safety briefing. Many people ignore these…but in a panic…will forget what to do. Paying attention reinforces the correct things to do.
2. Sit within 5 rows of an emergency exit. Statistics show that this increases your chances of surviving a crash.
3. Count how many rows between you an the exits. Do this for the exit in front and you and behind you as your primary exit may be blocked.
4. Take a minute to think of a plan. A “what would I do if”. Look at the exits, plan where you would go, etc. Having a plan in mind increases your chance of survival and will help keep you from “freezing”
5. Be extra aware during the first 3 minutes of flight and the last 8 minutes. These are the time windows where most problems occur. Be ready to react if you have to.
6. Wear your seat belt properly, especially if you think you are going to be in a crash.
7. Brace yourself properly. You want to limit the amount of blunt force trauma you may receive.
Some dont’s:
1. Take sleeping pills or drink heavily when flying. This will obviously affect your ability to react.
2. Wear sandals, high heels or slip on type footwear. You don’t want to have to escape with bare feet.
3. If you are in a crash..DON’T try to save your carry on, purse, cell phone, etc. This will cost you time and may hinder your exit.
4. Sit in the bulkhead seats. The force of hitting the wall in front of you can cause more damage then bracing against a seat in front of you.
These are just some quick tips and ideas. The same general rules apply here as in other situations. The more you plan…the better off you will do.