Crowding and fire tragedies

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Crowding and fire tragedies

The relationship between casualties in fire tragedies and crowding has never been in doubt or underestimated. It goes without saying that crowding tends to amplify the magnitude of losses or even the numbers of casualties. There are various ways in which crowding amplifies the effects or impact of fire tragedies. Research shows that fire tragedies have a higher likelihood of occurrence in crowded places than in others (Blaich, 2008). For example, fires in crowded nightspots and clubs have been quite common. This is the same case for crowded prisons such as the Honduras Prison where more than 300 inmates perished.

In crowded nightspots, it goes without saying that tempers flare up at a relatively higher frequency, thanks to high frustration and irritability. In most cases, small incidences trigger tragedies in crowded places. In addition, it is worth noting that most people perish during tragedies due to the stampede that follows (Blaich, 2008). In buildings whose occupancy loads are close to the design occupancy loads, crowding occurs in case of emergencies as everyone tries to exit such buildings at the same time. In quite a large number of tragedies, rescuers have found many casualties and bodies trapped at the exit points and entrances as individuals tried to exit such scenes simultaneously (Blaich, 2008). This has triggered behavioral researchers to carry out studies on varied approaches that would be appropriate in reducing the possibility of crowding at exit points.

In addition, building occupants usually frustrate the efforts of fire safety professionals as they fail to leave the scenes of tragedies upon hearing an alarm. Most fire safety professionals attribute this behavior to stupidity, which is inappropriate (Absher, 2010). Research shows that people usually delay their responses to unclear signs of danger up to such a point where they have an enhanced understanding of the magnitude of the threat. This problem would, however, be alleviated through accurate information and comprehensive training (Absher, 2010).

Nevertheless, it is possible for one to minimize the possibility of becoming a victim in crowded places. First, it is imperative that one familiarizes himself with a certain location and finds the exit signs closest to the location (Blaich, 2008). This should also be replicated in case one visits the bathroom. Research shows that, in the event of fire tragedies, individuals tend to crowd the entrances through which they entered the building thereby blocking or crowding the exit. In essence, it is recommended that an individual is privy to the location of more than one exit.

Second, being courteous during emergencies is arguably the best strategies. The main reason why most people die during stampedes is because they are devoid of the courtesy to let one person out at a time. Of course, it is understood that panic reigns supreme during such instances. However, being discourteous eliminates the possibility that any person will get out as all people want to get out at the same time using the same exit. In fact, quite a number of people or casualties would have been saved if only a little courtesy is inculcated (Absher, 2010).

Lastly, it is imperative that the individuals in such scenes allow the security and fire safety personnel to do their job (Blaich, 2008). In most cases, people will always be concerned about the things or people that they have left in affected building to such an extent that they stand in the way of the fire safety professionals. Such behavior could, in fact, hamper the rescue efforts. In essence, it is imperative that one allows the professionals to carry out their work and offer assistance only where necessary and under the directions of the professionals (Blaich, 2008).

References

Blaich, PW (2008). The Benefits of Behavioral Research to the Fire Service: Human Behavior in Fires and Emergencies. New York: iUniverse

Absher, JD (2010). Residents’ Responses to Wildland Fire Programs: A Review of Cognitive and Behavioral Studies. New York: DIANE Publishing