- Author
- Iida, M. | Murai, K.
- Title
- Study of Escape Behavior: Escape Behavior Changes With Age.
- Coporate
- Tokyo Fire Dept., Japan Nihon Univ., Tokyo, Japan
- Journal
- Bulletin of Japanese Association of Fire Science and Engineering, Vol. 42, No. 2, 17-28, 1995
- Keywords
- escape means | human behavior | life safety | smoke | experiments
- Abstract
- [ONLY ABSTRACT IN ENGLISH] A study of escape behavior in a smoke-filled maze was performed at the Tachikawa Life Safety Learning Center in order to elucidate the factors which are essential to prompt, safe and calm escape from a smoke-filled building. The subjects of the escape behavior experiment were 237 people who visited the learning center. Findings from this study include the importance of advanced knowledge of escape routes, the effectiveness of illuminated exit signs, and the suitable manners of escape guidance for the aged as well as for children. Tokyo Fire Department has been advised citizens to confirm their escape routes in advance when they stay at hotels or guest houses - the lessen learned from many tragic fires. This study proved experimentally that the advance knowledge and information can affect escape behavior, and also revealed that escape behavior patterns change with age. It also proposes essential steps to be taken to ensure proper and timely escape in a pitch-dark and smoke-filled environment.