Which action must be done before opening any exit after impact?

• A. Assess outside conditions
• B. Check oxygen levels
• C. Deploy slide
• D. Turn on beacon

Answer: (A)

When deciding to open an exit after an impact, the first thing to determine is whether the area outside is safe. Opening a door or hatch into smoke, fire, heat, wind, or debris can put you and others at serious risk, so a quick assessment of outside conditions is essential before taking action. If you see signs of danger—flames nearby, heavy smoke, heat felt at the door, fuel leaks, or unstable surroundings—it's wiser to delay opening and seek a safer route or wait for rescue. If the outside looks safe, you can proceed to open the exit and evacuate.

Checking oxygen levels outside isn’t a reliable or necessary indicator for this decision, and deploying a slide should happen after you’ve confirmed it’s appropriate to open the exit, since inflating a slide into a hazardous area could create additional danger. Turning on a beacon can help rescuers locate you, but it doesn’t determine whether it’s safe to open the exit.