Plan to Walk Away
As my sister and I board our Frontier flight from Denver to Fort Lauderdale our thoughts go to two recent airline mishaps. In both the Continental flight that “veered” off the runway in Denver and the US Airways Hudson River landing all passengers and crew survived by quickly evacuating and assisting other passengers.
Ninety seconds is the standard for the successful evacuation of a fully loaded plane in an emergency situation. When you see how long it takes to load and unload a normal flight this seems an impossible task. Yet, recent occurrences show it’s possible.
Several years ago I participated in an event for travel writers at the United Airlines Training Center in Denver. Part of the day included a mock evacuation. I learned facts and procedures that have changed some of my habits when flying and hopefully prepared me to walk away from an event like we’ve seen recently.
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Panty hose shred on the evacuation slide causing burns. Women if you ever wanted a reason to fly in comfort, this is it. Leave the panty hose at home. Seriously, slacks are better than dresses, skirts or shorts.
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Natural fiber clothing is best.
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Do not wear flip-flops or high heels when flying. When you get to the end of the evacuation slide it could be a run for your life – away from fire or explosion. I used to slip my shoes off as soon as I was seated, but I’ve changed that habit and keep them on until we’re well into the flight and have them back on for landing.
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Know where the exits are located. We hear it all the time but do we really pay attention? The exit nearest you may be blocked or unusable for some reason. Have a plan B in mind. Count rows of seats ahead and behind you to exits. Know your surroundings.
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Comply with stowing your personal items under the seat in front of you. As tempting as it may be to place something by your feet the path you block could be your path to safety.
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Know proper “Brace” or “Crash” positions – it’s on that card in the seat pocket in front of you. If traveling with children know procedure to best protect them. Comply with flight crew instructions, they are trained professionals prepared to do their job.
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The nearest exit may be blocked or the door won’t open for some reason. Don’t waste time – move to another exit. When we did the mock evacuation one group did not exit the “plane” in 90 seconds. Their door would not open. Mostly men, well traveled and experienced, they were absolutely sure they could do it and weren’t going to give up.
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Emergency floor lights leading to exits may not function, depend on yourself not mechanical or electrical factors.
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If you’re in an emergency row study the door. Where does it say to grasp? Do you push, pull, shove or turn? In what direction? Should you throw the door out the opening or turn and place it across a row of seats? Never on the floor. Be aware the door will be heavy, 35-40 pounds.
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Before opening any exit, look through a window to check for smoke, fire or debris/obstructions.
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Don’t stop to get personal items before evacuating – it could be your laptop or your life. This has been an issue during some incidences.
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Once out of the plane move away quickly. Don’t block the route for others and get away from potential fire.
I don’t want to be paranoid and I’m not going to quit flying but being aware helps in being prepared. Hopefully we all enjoy many future flights without incident but just in case these dozen tips could make a difference. Safe and happy travels.
From now through April 
A bonus to current DIA visitors are kiosks with free postcards, take a moment to write a message to your favorite Valentine(s), address the card and place it in the special Valentine drop box. The Denver International Airport’s Art Program will pay the postage and deliver your postcard to the Loveland Post Office to receive the 2009 Loveland cancellations and Valentine cachet.
Colterra Restaurant
The risotto with mushrooms and Parmesan was topped with a grilled chicken breast. The rice the perfect texture and balance of flavors. I’m easily bored with chicken breast, however this was excellent quality, cooked just right. I soon decided I was eating the entire entree, nothing was going home for later. Pat reported her bolognese delightful, “I could go in the kitchen and lick the pan.”
Outside the visitors center, in the Peace Plaza, stands Behold by sculptor Patrick Morelli. The ancient African ritual of lifting a newborn child to the heavens and reciting the words, “Behold the only thing greater than yourself,” inspired the monumental sculpture.
The scaffolding that encased the west tower of the historic mission church came down just in time for Christmas services. Restoration of the tower took five years and over $5 million dollars to complete. Old cement plaster was carefully removed and brick work repaired before refinishing with traditional lime plaster. Original construction began in 1783 – the oldest European-style building in Arizona. A mix of Moorish, Byzantine and late Mexican Renaissance design San Xavier del Bac is acclaimed as the finest example of mission architecture in the United States.
A recent brunch visit withfamily and friends satisfied appetites. Several of us ordered Eggs Mazatlan. The large flour tortilla stuffed withthree scrambled eggs and guacamole and topped with white cheddar cheese and green chilepleased hungry tummies without feeling heavy. Salsa, sour cream and tortilla chips – thin, crisp and warm – served on the side.
With 11:00 am reservations our party could order from both the breakfast and lunch menus. We ran the gamut from eggs Benedict and waffles to fish and chips and the Red Baron Reuben. The Piper Club looked large enough to feed an entire flight crew.
But, let’s get to the food. Bob ordered the Tuscan style meatloaf, topped with porcini mushroom gravy, served on garlic mashed potatoes, accompanied by sauteed veggies. The meatloaf slice was thick and generous – enough for lunch the next day. The potatoes perfect and the gravy exceptional. I selected a pasta dish of capellini, shrimp, tomato cream and basil – heavenly. I was certain I would take some home for Monday lunch but didn’t put my fork down until I picked up my spoon to get the last sips of sauce. We finished the evening sharing the fall fruit bread pudding with frangelico caramel – lovely.
Where To Go - Travel USA 