Pre-evacuation data collected from a mid-rise evacuation exercise

Gwynne, Steve and Boswell, D.L. (2009) Pre-evacuation data collected from a mid-rise evacuation exercise. Journal of Fire Protection Engineering, 19 (1). pp. 5-29. ISSN 1042-3915 (print) 1532-172X. (online)

Abstract

This article describes the observation of an unannounced evacuation exercise from a mid-rise administrative building. The primary focus of this activity was to collect pre-evacuation data, although evacuation times were also recorded for completeness. The article includes a description of the structure, the population, the emergency procedure employed and the observations made during the evacuation (both numerical and descriptive). Data are presented in a number of formats including raw values, averages, ranges, and distributions, i.e., in as much detail as possible and in context with the evacuation scenario. This should increase/improve potential applications, and reduces the likelihood of misunderstanding. A simple graphical scheme was developed to connect the numerical and descriptive data collected and
provide a comprehensive timeline of events. In addition, a detailed description of the data collection methods employed is presented, outlining their strengths and limitations. This article therefore presents a range of valuable data, a detailed description of the methods employed and a means to clearly present the data collected.

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