Schiavo Sheet #2
Schiavo Sheets are single pages of information on aspects of aviation
safety, security, and travel, and cover airlines, airports and
airplanes. Designed to help busy people fly safer-in less than 60
seconds.
Number 2 - Cabin Safety -
Do It Yourself
One of the topics on which I
lecture covers simple things you can do to help yourself have a safer
flight. Summarized, I recommend passengers develop a simple routine,
which they repeat every time they fly. Besides reading the seat pocket
safety information and listening to the flight attendant or video
safety announcement, here are five simple steps - which just might
save your life:
1. Seat Assignment - Try to
get a seat near the greatest concentration of exits. The configuration
is different on different types of planes (the exits on a DC 9 are not
where the exits on a 757 are located). Ask when you get your seat
assignment to be located in the exit row if you are physically (and
psychologically) able to get that exit open in an emergency, otherwise
near them. The row behind is better than the row in front. One, your
seat reclines, and two, in an emergency people will instinctively move
forward).
2. Carry-ons - Do not let
anyone block your exit by over-stuffing the underseat area so it
blocks the row. Watch what goes in the overhead bin over your head-not
too heavy, not blocking good closure of the latch.
3. Count the rows between
you and two alternative exit plans. Mentally run over the routes in
your head. Write it on a post-it note, sticker, or piece of paper and
put it on the upright tray table, or write it on your hand if you
like. I use my own stickers.
4. Carry a smoke hood, a
small plastic flashlight, and your stickers and a pen or pencil.
5. Never permit an obviously
intoxicated person anywhere near the exit rows or between you and your
route to safety. Complain loudly to the flight attendants. They have
broken the law by allowing drunk passengers on board.
