Before operating your emergency exit, what is the first step?

Before operating an emergency exit, assessing outside conditions is crucial for ensuring the safety of both the crew and passengers. This step involves looking outside to determine if it is safe to open the exit—checking for potential hazards such as fire, smoke, or other dangers that could compromise safety. If conditions are deemed unsafe, opening the exit could lead to further dangers for those inside the aircraft.

Performing this assessment allows crew members to make informed decisions and effectively communicate the next steps to passengers. Other actions, such as communicating with the captain or initiating a cabin evacuation, would come later in the sequence once the external environment is assessed for safety. By prioritizing the evaluation of outside conditions, cabin crew can better protect themselves and their passengers during an emergency situation.