What people do in fires

[Simon Morriss]

Dear All

I am creating a training program which will be used to train "Event Stewards" to look after corporate clients in the event of a building evacuation, generally fire.

There is a huge amount of anecdotal evidence out there on what people will actually and you hear some horrendous stories.

Can any one point me in the direction of either documented or video evidence I can use as part of the course.  This is proving to be a very interesting exercise not only to understand the issues of those evacuating but also from a psychology point of view what evacuation people believe is panic.

As an example the woman evacuation the building said she panicked when to collect her child from the bed room and on her way out forgot to close the front doors which lead to greater fire loss.  Now did this woman actually panic?  I think not it seems she actually responded logically to the “triggers” around her.

Thanks in advance for you help.

Simon

[storm79761]

im trying to do some training on human behaviour in fire, is there any info available, Im  planning on using the Woolworths store fire as an example but i need more.

[AnthonyB]

The "Threshers" video is good - it shows that the sterotypical response of running around in panic isn't always true.

For those who haven't seen it, it's a 3 minute CCTV recording of a failed attempt at theft by some young children who threw lighted paper into a display as a distraction. No one was distracted, they all stayed in the Q to be served (even when the stand was blazing away), in fact a group of kids (with mother) on the street crowded into the doorway to watch. People remained even as the assistant with a CO2 extinguisher (picked up instead of the water/afff as it was lighter) discharged CO2 first into her face (a la Fawlty Towers "the Germans") & then fanned the flames. Everyone only just got out, but only after one customer nipped in the back, nicked some Scotch & walked back out again!

[Simon Morriss]

Antony

Any idea where I can get a copy.

I have also been told that the BBC produce Fire Stuff.  Again any ideas where that can be obtained.  I realise it will be the BBC but do you have a contact.

Simon

[Fishy]

There has been a series of symposia on 'Human behaviour in fire' - the last conference (the third) was in Belfast in September.  Interscience Communications (020 8692 5050) should be able to help you out with copies of the proceedings, etc.  Won't be free, though!

Fishy

[wee brian]

If you are talking about Events then the Bradford City fire must have been the best/worst example of human behaviour.

If you can get a copy of the film footage its all there. Some people did great things others not so great, quite a lot of people didn't react at all.

Its a good illustration of the need for good marshalling, both to stop fires happening and to evacuate the crowd.

The other video(I havent got a copy) is the one of people going into a newsagent shop where there is a small fire growing by the entrance door. People go in and out without reacting to the growing danger.

[AnthonyB]

The other video(I havent got a copy) is the one of people going into a newsagent shop where there is a small fire growing by the entrance door. People go in and out without reacting to the growing danger.

Thats the Threshers one!




I know where you can get them on CD (PM me please)  

[johngal]

I am the Security Manager for an operator who own a number of Sportsbars and Nightclubs. Some of the clubs have over 2000 patrons present on occasions. As part of the training course which I wrote for all security staff and management staff we cover human reaction in Fire Situations and Evacuations. I used video files and photographs of the Chicago Nightclub Fire which also included CCTV Still shots of the venue.

Other factors taken into account were the consumption of alcohol and the according effects. After the research was completed the consistent factor in all situations were that two things were required by staff to prevent panic, clear communication & leadership.