FireDOC Search

Author
Pearson, R. G. | Joost, M. G.
Title
Egress Behavior Response Time of Handicapped and Elderly Subjects to Simulated Residential Fire Situations.
Coporate
North Carolina State Univ., Raleigh, NC
Sponsor
National Bureau of Standards, Gaithersburg, MD
Report
NBS GCR 83-429
May 1983
48 p.
Distribution
Available from National Technical Information Service
Contract
NB79NADA0012
Keywords
egress | elderly persons | ergonomics | evacuation | handicapped | human behavior | building fires | residential buildings
Abstract
This study involved the measurement of the times required to perform actions that are typically performed in nighttime residential fire emergencies. These actions include: calling fire department, searching for young child (i.e. doll), and donning a robe. The participants in the study included typical college students, elderly persons (including some with arthritic problems), blind people and young adults who use wheelchairs. While the college students generally performed the actions more quickly than the other groups, all groups were able to perform the actions in a timely fashion.