Mayday! Simple guidelines on how to survive an airplane crash

No elaborate looks - Wearing elaborately styled apparel can be a killer. Loose, flowing clothing can prevent you vacating your seat or hinder escape from an aircraft in the case of an accident. It's also a good idea to place your coat in your lap. Being a fashion victim could also make you an accident victim.

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Fabrics - Cotton and wool are less flammable than man-made fibers, so opt for natural materials.

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Wool is best! - If practical, wear wool. Its insulating qualities far outweigh cotton, even when wet—a real plus if you end up in water!

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The right footwear - Opt for practical footwear. Sandals or heels can limit your ability to move quickly.

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High heels can be a burden - High-heeled shoes can seriously hamper movement. Furthermore, they are not allowed to be worn on an evacuation chute.

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Strategic seating - The safest area in a plane is in the tail section. Opt for seats that are closest to the rear door or those nearest the emergency exits.

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Economy class - Did you know that economy class is one of the safest ways to travel? If nothing else it saves you money.

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Read the safety card - Reading the aircraft safety card and listening carefully to preflight safety instructions could save your life!

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Different safety measures for different aircraft - Remember, there are different sets of safety instructions for each type of aircraft, so pay attention to the flight attendants.

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Make sure you know how to open the emergency exit - If you are sitting next to an emergency exit, study the door and make sure you know how to open it if necessary.

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Count the seat rows - Count the number of seat rows between you and the nearest emergency exit. If the cabin were to fill with smoke making it impossible to see, this could mean the difference between life and death.

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Write it down! - If it makes it easier to remember, note the row numbers to the nearest exit on the palm of your hand.

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Seat belt -

Your seat belt can save your life. Keep it fastened all the time.

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Buckle up - Wear the seatbelt low over your pelvis as much as you can. In case of impact, the pressure on your stomach will be vastly reduced.

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Keep it fastened - Keep your belt fastened, even when asleep.

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Assessing an emergency situation - In case of a probable crash, analyze the situation. For example, what kind of surface is the plane likely to end up on? Can you make any preparations beforehand?

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Landing in water - If the plane looks likely to end up in water you should put wear a life jacket, although you'll be instructed to do this anyway.

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In cold weather - If landing in cold weather, make sure you have a blanket at hand, or wear your coat. It's important to stay warm.

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Follow the flight path - Be aware of the aircraft's flight path. If you survive a crash, it can help to know more or less where the plane has come down.

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Stay calm! - Hard as it may be to achieve, try to stay calm. Maintaining a sound presence of mind can increase your chances of survival.

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Items that can cause injury - Remove items like pens and pencils from pockets before impact. The crash itself may be less serious than imagined but you could sustain a serious stab or puncture wound from objects like these.

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Life vest - After pulling it on, never inflate a life vest before hitting the water. Fully inflated, it could hinder your chances of escape if the aircraft starts filling with water.

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Oxygen masks - Always put your oxygen mask on before helping others. When the integrity of the cabin pressure is compromised, you will have around 15 seconds to start breathing through the mask before losing consciousness.

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Oxygen mask - Never give in to the urge of helping other passengers—even children—before you've donned your own mask.

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Smoke -

Oxygen masks can also help protect you from smoke inhalation. Smoke and fire are responsible for a large percentage of air crash fatalities.

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In case of smoke - If the cabin does start filling with smoke, quickly cover your nose and mouth with a cloth, preferably moistened. If you don't have water to hand, you can use urine.

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Assuming the best crash position - Adopt the brace position by placing both feet firmly on the floor and further back than your knees. This will reduce injury to lower limbs. Then, leaning forward, place your hands and head on the seat in front you.

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Softening the impact - If you have a cushion or something soft to protect your head during impact, use it.

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Exit the plane as soon as possible - After a crash, exit the plane as soon as possible. According to the National Transportation Safety Board, the major cause of death in aircraft accidents is not the impact itself but the subsequent fire.

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Listen for instructions - In some cases, flight attendants are able to issue instructions after a crash. Pay attention! They are professionals trained to handle situations like this.

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Leave your belongings behind - In the immediate aftermath of a crash, do not attempt to retrieve your luggage. Every second counts, and it's imperative to exit the wreckage as quickly as possible.

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Keep a safe distance -

After successfully leaving the plane, move at least 150 meters from the crash site. There's always a risk of a fire or an explosion.

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Wear appropriate clothing - Wear warm, comfortable clothing on flights. Consider items like trousers, long-sleeved shirts, and sturdy lace-up shoes.

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