Shedding Some Light on Disasters

Guest Post

Sinking thoughts about cruise safety


As our hearts and prayers go out to the Costa Concordia Cruise ship victims, I can't help wondering if just one thing might make a difference the next cruise I take.  What would be the one thing I would change?   I am going to carry a small light.


While I agree, you should have an ongoing awareness of your exit strategies, every time you enter a new place, especially if there are a lot of other people there with you.  You should take notice of the less obvious exits (like at the movie theatre there are almost always ones near the front), and no one is thinking about them in an emergency.


In large structures, there are many systems designed to  be used in times of fires and other disasters,  lighting, communications and trained guides -- to reduce loss of life, and they are well designed.  And yet, in the extreme events, these have often failed to work.  There is no such thing as an "unsinkable ship" or a "perfect plan".  You are going to have to rely on your own assessment of any situation and make personal choices in the interest of those around you and your loved ones.  Don't wait for someone else to tell you, you need to take action.


If the lighting fails, on a big ship, or any other large structure, it will be very dark.  Any exit strategy, and decision to improve your location and survivability will depend on your ability to navigate to safety.  A small light would be priceless in the dark. 


There are many, very small lighting options, and for your home/car disaster preparedness, many hand crank units that never need batteries or charging. LED lights now require small batteries making them very compact and providing decent lighting.  On a big ship like the Costa Concordia, if there is a catastrophic failure, the plan for backup lighting and luminous strips are designed to help you out and lead the way to the lifeboat stations.  But if the lighting fails, or the strips aren't there, it will be very hard to proceed in the dark without light.


So the one thing I'll change for now, is carry to a small light, all the time. 


Emergencies aren't scheduled, but preparedness can be planned.


One and Done
Darrel Crane, Captain
Disaster Survival Skills


"Real World Solutions"