Secure Your Mask First

Today’s Post By: Rae Lynn DeAngelisEach commercial airline flight begins in much the same way, with a rapid monologue of  instructions intended to assist passengers in the event of an emergency (i.e. plane crash).  Since my husband flies more often than he drives, he’s all too familiar with the carrier’s safety speech and doesn’t pay much attention.Not me. I’m hanging on to every word!Seatbelt buckled–check. Emergency exit doors located–check. Flotation device–check. Seat cushion doubles as a flotation device–check. (If I wasn’t nervous before getting on the airplane, I am now.) With each safety tip, my mind’s eye pictures the terrifying scenarios that would require my need to retrieve such information. (None of them are good.)It’s all good information; however, one of the airline’s safety instructions seems counter intuitive in nature.In the event of a decompression in the cabin, an oxygen mask will automatically appear in front of you. To start the flow of oxygen, pull the mask towards you. Place it firmly over your nose and mouth, secure the elastic band behind your head, and breathe normally. Although the bag does not inflate, oxygen is flowing to the mask. If you are traveling with a child or someone who requires assistance