A few simple hints we hope will make a big impact.

•Listen to the flight attendant’s preflight safety instructions, especially concerning emergency exits. You may think you’ve heard it all before, but different planes have different escape procedures.

•Many who survive the initial crash are killed by fire or fumes from burning upholstery because they hesitate or try to collect their belongings first. Leave your carry-on items behind and get off the plane immediately.

•Once you’ve escaped from the plane, get a safe distance away to protect yourself from an explosion, but stay close enough for rescuers to find you.

•If the plane crashes in water, don’t inflate your life vest until you are safely out of the plane. An inflated life vest may get stuck in an exit or otherwise hamper your escape.