How To Survive A Plane Crash

Loose or elaborate clothing poses a risk, as it can get snagged on obstacles in the close confines of a plane. If you know you’re going to be flying over cold areas, dress appropriately, and consider keeping a jacket on your lap. Cotton or wool clothing is also preferable as it is less flammable. Wool is preferable to cotton when flying over water, as wool does not lose its insulating properties to the degree cotton does when wet.

Yes, it’s actually statistically safer to fly economy than first-class. Saving money could also save your life.

Don’t assume you know it all already, either. Every type of airplane has different safety instructions. [4] X Research source If you’re sitting in an exit row, study the door and make sure you know how to open it if you need to. In normal circumstances the flight attendant will open the door, but if they are dead or injured, you’ll need to do it.

It can help to write down the number in pen on your hand, so you’ll have a quick reference if you need to.

Push the belt down as low over your pelvis as possible. You should be able to feel the upper ridge of the pelvis above the upper edge of the belt, which helps to brace you in an emergency much better than your soft stomach. Leave your seat belt on, even if you’re sleeping. If something happens while you’re out, you’ll thank yourself for putting the restraints in place.

Plot out the general course you’ll be on ahead of time, so you’ll have some idea of where you are when the plane crashes. If you’re flying from Iowa to California, you can be fairly certain you won’t be landing in the ocean. Use the time before the crash to find your exit. If the plane is going to crash, you almost always have several minutes to prepare before impact. Use this time to once again review where the exits are.

In either position, your feet should be flat on the floor and further back than your knees to reduce injuries to your feet and legs, which you will need in order to successfully exit the craft after impact. Place your legs as far under the seat as possible to avoid breaking your shin bones.

It’s also sometimes recommended that you put your head directly against the seat in front of you and lace your fingers behind your head, tucking your upper arms against the sides of your head to cradle it. Bend forward, if there’s no seat in front of you. If you don’t have a seat close in front of you, bend forward and put your chest on your thighs and your head between your knees. Cross your wrists in front of your lower calves, and grab your ankles.

While you may feel an impulse to first help your children or the elderly passenger sitting next to you, you’ll be no good to anyone if you don’t remain conscious. Also, remember that you can put somebody else’s oxygen mask on even if they’re unconscious. This might help save their life.

Stay low as you escape, to duck under the level of smoke. It might not seem like a big deal, but passing out due to smoke inhalation is one of the most dangerous things that can happen during this critical period.

Make sure the exit you choose is safe. Look through the window to determine if there is fire or some other hazard outside of an exit. If there is, try the exit across the plane, or proceed to another set of exits.

If you end up needing to salvage supplies from the plane crash site, worry about that later. Right now, you need to make sure that you get clear of the wreckage and find some safe cover. Get out now.

Attend to your own wounds if at all possible. Check yourself for cuts and other abrasions, and apply pressure if necessary. Stay in one place to reduce the chance of exacerbating internal injuries. Negative panic is a strange inability to react assertively and appropriately to the situation. For example, a person may just remain in their seat instead of heading toward the exit. Watch out for this in your fellow passengers or traveling companions. [12] X Research source