How To Survive a Plane Crash

We all hope to avoid the experience of being in an airplane as it falls to the Earth and crashes but the possibility does exist. While you shouldn’t fear this as a common occurrence you don’t want to be caught unprepared if it does happen to you. Keep these instructions in mind whenever you fly and you will increase your odds of surviving a plane crash.

1. Warning:  Accept the things you cannot change. There are some crashes that no one has a chance to survive no matter what they do. In the instances where the plane is destroyed on impact there is no alternative but to accept. For all other crashes, following the remaining steps may save your life.
2. Prepare ahead of time. A little preparation before you get on board will increase your chances of survival. Wear comfortable and sturdy shoes and clothes. Try for long sleeves shirts and long pants. The coverage of these clothes makes you less likely to get burned or cut by debris during the crash.
3. Follow instructions. When the seat belt light is illuminated, follow the instructions and remain in your seat and belted in. Sit in your assigned seat and pay attention to the safety demonstration and instructions.
4. Know your closest exit. The closer you are to an exit, the more likely you are to make it out of a plane. Check to see if the closest exit is behind or in front of you and have a plan for getting there should you need to. Make note of people and children who may need assistance between you and the exit to avoid causing them harm on your way to getting out.
5. Know the oxygen mask and flotation device instructions. Pay attention when the flight attendant tells you to put your oxygen mask on first then help children and others. This rule exists so you don’t protect your child at one point and then fail to protect them later because you’ve passed out due to lack of oxygen.
6. Don’t panic. A plane crash is a terrifying experience for everyone. Those who remain calm, however, are the ones likely to get out alive.
7. Pay attention to flight attendants and pilot instructions. Even in the midst of panic flight attendants will be giving you instructions, pay attention. This is true even after you are able to exit the aircraft.
8.  Exit the plane as quickly as possible without injuring other people. After making your way to your exit, get out of the plane. Just don’t trample anyone on your way out.
9. Keep going once you are out of the plane. You need to get a safe distance away. Airplanes carry volatile fuel that can catch fire and explode so get to safety instead of stopping once outside the plane.
10. Help others if you can. Exiting a plane safely cannot be a free for all where everyone pushes and makes a run for it. Help others to remain calm and orderly when you can.

Often the first impact of a plane crash is survivable and what you do in the moments after can save your life. Have a plan whenever you fly. This won’t make you paranoid, just aware and prepared in the rare chance you need to be.