The news lately has focused heavily on the cruise ship disaster involving the Costa Concordia off the coast of Italy.
Several interesting points come to mind on first glance at this mishap. First, when were passengers given a safety briefing? Some sources say they had one already and others say they were not due their first one for several hours. Also, we know the Captain abandoned ship and we also hear reports that many of the crew were not aiding passengers in distress. Next, with the ship not completely sinking and with being so close to shore, how could anyone have actually died? (Though with a passenger load in excess of 4,000 people, the number of deaths was relatively very low.)
The point of today’s post is not to criticize what did or did not happen aboard the Costa Concordia (especially since we weren’t there), but to focus on things to help protect you and yours if you find yourself in an emergency situation whether aboard ship, an aircraft, a train, or even in a public building.
The key is “Situational Awareness” which means you’re aware of where you are, what’s going on around you, what might happen, and how you might react. Whenever you’re in a new place, whether it’s aboard a ship, aircraft, train, or even in a new building, you should know your surroundings, the threats you may face, the ways in which you might learn of an emergency, and the assets around you.
Here are a few thoughts:
1. Know the layout of where you are. In a public building for the first time? Look at the fire escape plan which should be posted near elevators or stairs. (Hint, if the risk of an event is high, take a picture of the floor plan with your phone.) How many doors are between you and an exit? Could you find the exit in heavy smoke by counting doors as you crawled along the floor to safety? How about a plane? (Read the info pamphlet about the plane you’re in and pay attention during the safety briefing.) Where is the closest exit (remember, it may be behind you) and how many seats are there between you and the exit? Aboard ship? Attend any safety briefing, not just the mandatory ones. Which passageway do you take to reach the lifeboats from your room? From the galley? From the entertainment areas?
2. Learn to identify safety personnel. Aboard an aircraft it’s easy; they’re your flight attendants. What about aboard ship? Not all crew are trained to handle guest safety. Some are assigned specific ship protection duties in a crisis. Can you tell the difference? What about in a building? Who’s with security and how do you identify them? Do you know the location of the security office or posts? How about aboard a train?
3. Note the location of safety equipment. Where are the fire extinguishers? How about AEDs (Automatic Electric Defibrillators), fire hoses, first aid kits, fire alarm switches, emergency call boxes, flotation devices, emergency brake pulls, attendant service buttons, etc.? How many of these do you know how to operate should you be able to locate them? And, always remember that your cell phone can act as your emergency flashlight.
4. Talk with family members about what to do should an emergency occur. How many in your family know first aid or CPR? Do you plan meeting times or rendezvous points when at sporting events or the mall where you might separate for a bit? Note: When working on steps 1 through 3 above, make sure you involve others you’re with or teach them to do the same steps.
5. Maintain your health and physical capabilities as best you can. Getting out of a sinking ship, a wrecked train, crashed plane, or burning building are stressful and physically demanding. The healthier you are, the safer you are, and the more you’re able to help others.