Emergency Evacuation Procedures on an Aircraft and the Importance of the Safety Card
Although aviation is one of the safest modes of transportation today, being prepared for possible emergencies is always vital. The safety briefings provided before a flight and the safety cards located in seat pockets contain life-saving instructions for a potential crisis. Knowing these procedures and understanding the importance of the safety card helps ensure your safety throughout every stage of your journey.
What Is an Emergency Evacuation on an Aircraft?
In What Situations Does an Emergency Evacuation Take Place?
An emergency evacuation is carried out when an unusual situation threatens the safety of the aircraft and its passengers during takeoff, flight, or landing. An evacuation may be ordered in situations such as engine failure, fire or smoke inside the cabin, technical malfunctions, a hard landing on the runway, or a forced landing on water.
How Is the Evacuation Process Planned?
According to international aviation standards, the evacuation process is designed so that all passengers and crew members can leave the aircraft within a short period of approximately 90 seconds. This time is calculated to ensure safe evacuation even if half of the aircraft's emergency exits are unavailable.
The Role of Cabin Crew During an Evacuation
Cabin crew members are responsible not only for passenger service but, above all, for ensuring passenger safety. In an emergency, their primary responsibilities include remaining calm, opening the appropriate doors, activating evacuation slides, and directing passengers.
What Is an Aircraft Safety Card?
What Information Is Included on a Safety Card?
A safety card contains illustrated instructions showing how to fasten and release the seat belt, use oxygen masks, put on life vests, locate emergency exits, and use evacuation slides.
Why Is the Safety Card Important?
During an emergency, language barriers or panic may make it difficult to understand verbal instructions. Safety cards use visual symbols (pictograms) that are easy to understand, clearly showing what needs to be done during a crisis.
Where Is the Safety Card Located?
The safety card is located in the seat pocket in front of each passenger, where it can be easily reached and reviewed from the passenger's seat.
How Should You Evacuate an Aircraft in an Emergency?
Follow the Instructions of the Cabin Crew
The most important instructions during an evacuation come from the cabin crew. Passengers should follow commands such as "Release your seat belts," "Stand up," and "Leave your belongings behind" immediately and without hesitation.
Release Your Seat Belt Correctly
In a panic, many people may instinctively look for a button as they would with a car seat belt. Remember that aircraft seat belts are released by lifting the buckle, allowing you to get up quickly and save valuable time.
Locate the Nearest Emergency Exit
If visibility is limited because of smoke or darkness, head toward the nearest emergency exit. Remember that the nearest exit may be behind you.
Use the Emergency Evacuation Slides
When you reach an inflatable evacuation slide, sit down and slide without stopping, with your feet pointing forward and your arms crossed over your chest. Sharp objects such as high-heeled shoes can damage the slide, so they should be removed beforehand.
Move Away from the Aircraft Quickly and in an Orderly Manner
To reduce the risk of injury, once you have left the aircraft, move quickly to a safe area at least 100–150 meters away, with the wind at your back.
How Can Emergency Exits Be Located?
Check the Emergency Exits Before the Flight
Once you are seated, make it a habit to look around and identify the emergency exits closest to you.
Learn the Location and Distance of the Exits
Count how many rows are between you and the two nearest exits, whether they are in front of or behind you. If the cabin becomes dark, you can count the rows by touch to find your way to an exit.
Follow Cabin Lighting and Exit Signs
In an emergency, illuminated escape-path lights along the cabin floor guide passengers toward the emergency exits.
What Should Not Be Done During an Emergency Evacuation?
Do Not Take Your Carry-On Baggage
Taking baggage during an evacuation is one of the most serious and potentially life-threatening mistakes. Carry-on baggage can block the aisles, damage evacuation slides, and delay the evacuation, putting people's lives at risk.
Avoid Panicking and Pushing
Crowding around the exits and pushing can bring the evacuation to a standstill. Moving quickly, calmly, and in an orderly manner helps everyone leave the aircraft more efficiently.
Do Not Disobey Cabin Crew Instructions
Do not attempt to force open an exit that the crew has decided to keep closed for safety reasons, and do not move unless instructed to do so.
Do Not Re-Enter the Aircraft After Evacuation
Never return to the aircraft to retrieve personal belongings or baggage, as there may be a risk of fire or explosion.
How Should the Safety Card Be Reviewed Before a Flight?
Check the Location of Emergency Exits
Look at the aircraft diagram on the safety card and identify where your seat is located in relation to the emergency exits.
Learn How to Use the Seat Belt
Use the illustrations to confirm how to fasten, tighten, and release the seat belt quickly in an emergency.
Review How to Use the Oxygen Mask
Review the sequence showing that, in the event of a loss of cabin pressure, you should first put the oxygen mask on yourself before helping children.
Learn the Location and Use of the Life Vest
Check where the life vest is located and remember that it should be inflated only after leaving the aircraft, not while you are still inside.
How Does Evacuation Vary in Different Emergencies?
Evacuation in the Event of Fire or Smoke
If smoke accumulates inside the cabin, it generally rises toward the ceiling. Stay low while moving, breathe as safely as possible, and follow the illuminated floor-level escape-path markings toward the exit.
Evacuation After an Emergency Landing on Water
During a water landing, life vests should never be inflated while you are still inside the aircraft. Otherwise, you may become trapped against the cabin ceiling as the aircraft fills with water, preventing you from exiting. Inflate the life vest when you reach the doorway or after exiting the aircraft, according to the crew's instructions.
Evacuation After an Emergency Landing
If the landing gear cannot be deployed or has been damaged, the aircraft may land on its fuselage. In such a situation, the cabin crew quickly determines which exits can safely be used based on the aircraft's position and angle.
Evacuation When Visibility Inside the Cabin Is Reduced
In the event of a power failure or heavy smoke, follow the illuminated or photoluminescent markings along the cabin floor and use the seat backs or seat edges for guidance as you move toward an exit.
Frequently Asked Questions About Emergency Aircraft Evacuation
How Can Emergency Exits Be Found on an Aircraft?
Emergency exits can be located using the green "EXIT" signs, illuminated guidance strips on the floor, and the diagrams provided on the safety card.
Why Should Carry-On Baggage Not Be Taken During an Emergency?
Baggage can block the aisles, delay the evacuation process and the 90-second evacuation target, and damage or puncture inflatable evacuation slides.
Why Should the Safety Card Be Read?
Even if you travel frequently, every aircraft type may have different exit mechanisms and different locations for safety equipment.
What Are the Responsibilities of Passengers Seated in an Emergency Exit Row?
Passengers seated in emergency exit rows must be able to remain calm in an emergency, operate the emergency exit when instructed by the cabin crew, and have the physical ability to assist other passengers with the evacuation.
Why Are Cabin Crew Instructions Important During an Emergency Evacuation?
Cabin crew members receive professional training in emergency management, crisis response, and rapid evacuation. They assess hazards outside the aircraft and direct passengers toward the safest available exit.