Auto Tips -Air travel is considered one of the safest modes of transportation. However, in the rare event of a Plane Crashes, knowing how to react can greatly increase your chances of survival. While aviation accidents are uncommon, it’s always better to be prepared. Here are six crucial actions you should take when your plane crashes, ensuring you stay as safe as possible in such a catastrophic scenario.
1. Stay Calm and Focused
The Importance of Staying Calm
In any emergency, staying calm is key. Panic can cloud your judgment and make it difficult to respond effectively. While it’s natural to feel fear, especially in such a high-stress situation, remember that maintaining composure will help you think clearly and make better decisions.
Take a deep breath and focus on the steps you need to follow. If you’re in a situation where the plane is descending rapidly, remind yourself that there are ways to improve your survival, and that you can take actions that will increase your chances.
2. Follow the Safety Procedures
Pay Attention to the Crew’s Instructions
Before the plane even takes off, passengers are given safety instructions that can make all the difference in an emergency. In the event of a crash, follow the crew’s instructions carefully. Flight attendants are trained for such emergencies and have a better understanding of how to handle a crash situation.
Make sure you know the emergency exits, where the life vests are stored, and how to use the oxygen mask in case it’s deployed. Familiarize yourself with the safety card in the seat pocket, which provides essential information on how to respond to a crash landing.
Use the Safety Equipment
Make sure to use the safety equipment provided, such as your seatbelt. Fasten it securely and adjust it tightly across your lap. In a crash, a well-fastened seatbelt will prevent you from being thrown forward or even out of your seat.
3. Brace for Impact
Assume the Correct Position
When the plane is about to crash, the best thing you can do is prepare for impact. Assuming the brace position can help protect vital areas of your body. The most common brace position involves bending forward with your head against your knees and your hands protecting your head and neck.
To do this correctly, sit with your feet flat on the floor and your knees bent. Place your arms over your head and hold the seat in front of you (if possible). Rest your head against your arms, and stay as close to your seat as possible.
Reduce Injury
By positioning your body correctly, you reduce the risk of severe injuries. The crash position is designed to keep you in the safest possible position during impact, allowing the body to absorb the shock in a way that minimizes injury.
4. Exit the Plane as Quickly as Possible
Find the Nearest Exit
After the plane has crashed, it’s essential to exit the aircraft as quickly and safely as possible. The most important thing to remember is that the exits may not be in their usual locations. Depending on the nature of the crash, certain exits may be blocked, so be prepared to navigate the cabin and find an alternative way out.
If you are able to get out of your seat, locate the nearest exit as quickly as possible. You should be aware of how to open emergency doors and use escape slides. If the plane is in flames or smoke-filled, you may need to find a window or another available route to get out of the aircraft.
Use the Emergency Slides
If the situation requires it, and emergency slides are deployed, use them without hesitation. These slides are designed to get you out of the plane quickly. However, don’t stop to collect personal belongings—leave everything behind and focus on escaping the aircraft.
5. Move to a Safe Distance
Evacuate the Plane Quickly
Once you’ve exited the plane, move away from the wreckage as quickly as possible. Do not stay near the plane, as it could catch fire or explode, making it more dangerous for everyone involved. A safe distance would be at least 500 feet away from the plane.
After getting to safety, look for other survivors or emergency personnel who can provide help. If you’re able to do so safely, check on others to see if they need assistance. In the aftermath of a crash, there may be injured passengers who could benefit from your help.
6. Signal for Help and Stay Visible
Stay Visible to Emergency Services
In the aftermath of a crash, signaling for help is vital. If you have access to a mobile phone, dial emergency services. In many crash scenarios, passengers may be stranded in remote areas or in the wilderness, so making yourself visible to rescue personnel is crucial.
Look for materials in the surrounding area that could help signal for help. Items like reflective clothing, flares, or even making a large distress signal on the ground can help rescuers spot you quickly. If you’re unable to signal for help, remain in the safest position possible and wait for help to arrive.
Avoid Going Too Far from the Plane Crashes Site
While you may feel the instinct to leave the area, especially if you’re unsure of where the plane has landed, it’s better to stay close to the crash site. Search and rescue teams are trained to locate crash survivors, and they will be using the plane’s wreckage as a reference point. Moving away could make it more difficult for rescuers to find you.
Though the thought of a plane crash can be frightening, being prepared and knowing what to do can help you survive in this rare and extreme situation. Always follow the safety procedures outlined by the crew, remain calm, and take quick actions in case of an emergency. By knowing how to brace for impact, exit the plane swiftly, and signal for help, you can significantly increase your chances of survival during a plane crash.
