1. INTRODUCTION TO FIRE PREVENTION
Seventh Edition • James C. Robertson
Chapter 8
Instilling Positive Fire
Reaction
Robertson, Introduction to Fire Prevention, Seventh Ed.
© 2010 by Pearson Education, Inc., Upper Saddle River, NJ

2. Overview
• Human element
• Human characteristics
• Environment
• Mental status
Robertson, Introduction to Fire Prevention, 7/e
© 2010 by Pearson Education, Inc., Upper Saddle River, NJ

3. Individual Decisions
• Flashover
• Margin of safety
• Ability to extinguish
• Closed doors
Robertson, Introduction to Fire Prevention, 7/e
© 2010 by Pearson Education, Inc., Upper Saddle River, NJ

4. Time versus Products of Combustion chart points out the need for prompt alarm and control action in
the event of fire. (Source: Northern Illinois Fire Sprinkler Advisory Board, Illinois Fire Inspectors
Association, and Northern Illinois Fire Inspectors Association)
Robertson, Introduction to Fire Prevention, 7/e
© 2010 by Pearson Education, Inc., Upper Saddle River, NJ

5. Reaction to fire was measured by a survey. Generally, men were found to try to fight the fire, whereas
women alerted others and evacuated. (Source: Society of Fire Protection Engineers)
Robertson, Introduction to Fire Prevention, 7/e
© 2010 by Pearson Education, Inc., Upper Saddle River, NJ

6. Fire Reporting
• 911
• Enhanced 911
• Cellular calls and 911
Robertson, Introduction to Fire Prevention, 7/e
© 2010 by Pearson Education, Inc., Upper Saddle River, NJ

7. Home Fire Drills
• E.D.I.T.H.
• Stop, Drop, and Roll
Robertson, Introduction to Fire Prevention, 7/e
© 2010 by Pearson Education, Inc., Upper Saddle River, NJ

8. School Fire Drills
• Most widespread program to condition
public fire reaction
– Frequency
– Evacuation
– Hidden benefits
Robertson, Introduction to Fire Prevention, 7/e
© 2010 by Pearson Education, Inc., Upper Saddle River, NJ

9. Institutional Fire Drills
• Staff is trained to evacuate and take
basic fire action
– Nonambulatory
– Defend in place
– Individual abilities
Robertson, Introduction to Fire Prevention, 7/e
© 2010 by Pearson Education, Inc., Upper Saddle River, NJ

10. Industrial Fire Drills
• May be responsible for obtaining and
operating extinguishing equipment and
calling fire department
– Location of exits
– Location of alarm stations
– Procedures
Robertson, Introduction to Fire Prevention, 7/e
© 2010 by Pearson Education, Inc., Upper Saddle River, NJ

11. Fire Extinguishers
• Training
• Types
• Locations
Robertson, Introduction to Fire Prevention, 7/e
© 2010 by Pearson Education, Inc., Upper Saddle River, NJ

12. Multifamily Residential
Occupancies
• Fire alarms
• Fire extinguishers
• Fire drills
Robertson, Introduction to Fire Prevention, 7/e
© 2010 by Pearson Education, Inc., Upper Saddle River, NJ

13. Panic
• Defined—sudden, unreasoning,
hysterical fear
• Existence of real or imagined danger
• Psychological factors
Robertson, Introduction to Fire Prevention, 7/e
© 2010 by Pearson Education, Inc., Upper Saddle River, NJ

14. Counteracting Panic
• Uniformed personnel
– Symbol of authority
• Occupancy signs
• Emergency lighting
• Exit signs
Robertson, Introduction to Fire Prevention, 7/e
© 2010 by Pearson Education, Inc., Upper Saddle River, NJ

15. Counteracting Panic
• Maintenance of exits
• Public address systems
• Advance notice
Robertson, Introduction to Fire Prevention, 7/e
© 2010 by Pearson Education, Inc., Upper Saddle River, NJ

16. Fire Brigades
• Familiar with location
– Knowledge of the plant
– Members should be from all areas of plant
• Roles
– Turn in alarm
– Operate extinguishers and hoselines
• Drills
– Emergency action plan should be posted
Robertson, Introduction to Fire Prevention, 7/e
© 2010 by Pearson Education, Inc., Upper Saddle River, NJ

17. Fire Safety Manuals
• Basis for fire drills
• Tailored to occupancy
• Comprehensive
Robertson, Introduction to Fire Prevention, 7/e
© 2010 by Pearson Education, Inc., Upper Saddle River, NJ

18. Elevator Fire Safety
• Danger of use
• Warning signs
• Doors opening on fire floor
Robertson, Introduction to Fire Prevention, 7/e
© 2010 by Pearson Education, Inc., Upper Saddle River, NJ

19. Fire Reaction Safeguards
• Housing for older adults
– Interlocked chain of life safety
• Prevention
• Detection
• Alarm
• Escape or refuge
• Confinement
• Control
• Extinguishment
Robertson, Introduction to Fire Prevention, 7/e
© 2010 by Pearson Education, Inc., Upper Saddle River, NJ

20. Fire Reaction Safeguards
• Special occupancies
• High-rise structures
Robertson, Introduction to Fire Prevention, 7/e
© 2010 by Pearson Education, Inc., Upper Saddle River, NJ

21. Special Occupancies
• Hotel occupancies
– Changing concept of residential treatment
– Reaction may change materially
Robertson, Introduction to Fire Prevention, 7/e
© 2010 by Pearson Education, Inc., Upper Saddle River, NJ

22. High Rises
• Difficult for evacuation
– Elevator use a major problem
– Location of stairs may be unknown to
some
• Voice communication may aid
• Sprinklers
• Lighting
Robertson, Introduction to Fire Prevention, 7/e
© 2010 by Pearson Education, Inc., Upper Saddle River, NJ

23. Terrorism
• NIST recommendations
– Additional exit stairway for buildings more
than 420 feet
– One fire service elevator for buildings more
than 120 feet
– Luminous markings
– Limiting length of horizontal transfer
– Increasing remoteness
– Enhancing survivability of stair enclosures
Robertson, Introduction to Fire Prevention, 7/e
© 2010 by Pearson Education, Inc., Upper Saddle River, NJ

24. Summary
• Public responsibilities
• Practice
• Fire department interaction
Robertson, Introduction to Fire Prevention, 7/e
© 2010 by Pearson Education, Inc., Upper Saddle River, NJ