It is easy for our natural sense of caution to be dulled in our modern environment, where things don't go wrong very often. Whether in the air or on the ground, your life, and the lives of your family members could someday be saved if you make it a point, in every situation, to create a mental plan of action in case of emergency.
General safety guidelines
- Study the passenger safety card both before take-off and landing, so that the information is fresh in your mind .
- Listen closely when the flight attendant gives the safety briefing.
- Know where the emergency exits are, both in front of you and behind you. Count the rows between your seat and the exit row, so you could find it in a dark, smoke-filled cabin.
- Feel under the seat until your hand locates the flotation device
To sit in an exit-row seat, you
- Must be both willing and physically able to open the exit doors in an emergency.
- Must completely understand the printed emergency evacuation techniques.
In case of fire or smoke
- Bend down close to the floor and move away from the fire and smoke.
- Place a wet handkerchief or napkin over your nose and mouth to filter some smoke and help you breathe better.
Restrictions for electronics on board
Both the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) prohibits the use of the following electronic devices during flight, because they emit signals that can interfere with the aircraft's instrumentation.
- Cell phones
- Radios
- Televisions
The following devices may be used, but only when the aircraft exceeds 10,000 feet in altitude:
- Laptop computers
- Hand-held computer games
- CD players
- Tape recorders