Available Data and Input Into Models.
Available Data and Input Into Models.
(80 K)
Fahy, R. F.
NIST SP 1032; January 2005.
Workshop on Building Occupant Movement During Fire
Emergencies. Proceedings. Session 4.3. June 10-11,
2004, Gaithersburg, MD, Peacock, R. D.; Kuligowski, E.
D., Editor(s)(s), 62-67 pp, 2005.
Keywords:
occupants; people movement; emergencies; human behavior;
evacuation; experiments; education; training
Abstract:
There is a need for better data to improve our knowledge
of human behavior in fire. This data can be used in the
development and refinement of evacuation models and in
the use of such models. Once collected, human behavior
data must be published in peer-reviewed journals and
conference proceedings. A central repository should be
created to store the data in a format that enhances its
use by researchers, fire safety engineers and the
regulatory community. The data collection itself must be
adequately funded. We need a coordinated effort to
collect this sort of information, rather than ad hoc
projects when major incidents occurs. Valuable time can
be lost in the pursuit and processing of funding. One
important method for collecting this data is
post-incident surveys and interviews. Although there are
some disadvantages to this technique, it provides
valuable insight into actions and behaviors in real-life
emergencies.
