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In February 2003, 100 club-goers died needlessly when a fire broke out in the The STation nightclub in Rhode Island. Pyrotechnics from the band on stage ignited nearby walls and celiings and the fire spread rapidly. Immediately, more than two-thirds of the 400-plus individuals in attendance turned and started for the main entrance. The intensity of the flames and smoke caused the crowd to panic and surge forawrd, everyone pushing for the front door. Individuals fell, causing others to fall and, in less than 90 seconds, the front door was hopelessly blocked.
When a fire breaks out in a crowded place, people almost always head for the front door. It's the one exit they know. It's also the one exit everyone knows. That's why, when you enter a public place or a building you're not familiar with, give yourself options. Take a brief second to notice your surroundings. Make a mental note where the Exits are place and know where to go in case a fire breaks out.
Remember, the way out may not be the way in.
(The Have an Exit Strategy Campaign was developed by ThinkStreet for the Texas State Fire Marshals Office. For more information, visit
www.haveanexitstrategy.com)