Surviving a Nightclub Fire

As the recent tragedy at the Kiss Nightclub in Santa Maria, Brazil demonstrates, public fire safety continues to remain a serious problem. Any time you mix large crowds of semi-intoxicated people with low levels of lighting, minimal exits, and add smoke and fire, the result is always tragic.

 

In North America there have been several notable nightclub fires:

*Learn more about historical fires in the United States in our State by State Fire FAQs.

After fire analysis has repeatedly noted the importance of well-lit and uncluttered exit pathways, and show that the majority of deaths are usually due to smoke inhalation or trampling. Victims could have survived if they had been able to quickly and safely exit the structure.

 

The Exit Light Company reminds everyone that the sole purpose for the products that we sell (exit signs and emergency lights) is to save lives, not property. Here are some helpful tips for both patrons and business owners:

 

If you are a Patron:

  • Use common sense, don’t patronize businesses in buildings that do not look safe. Some warning signs are that the building does not have a sprinkler system, exit signs or emergency lights are broken and non-functional, or if you see that most of the exit doors are blocked or even locked (chained shut)
  • Be aware of the location of at least two exits at all times (the first being the one that you entered through)
  • Never drink so much that you will not be able to react to an emergency situation
  • If you are caught up in a crowd, it doesn’t matter if you are large and strong, try to get to a wall or to the edge of the crowd. Many deaths are dues to trample injuries
  • Try to stay low, to minimize smoke inhalation
  • If possible, cover your nose and mouth with a cloth. Use your shirt, jacket, or a napkin, if available. If you can, wet the cloth with water. Never use alcohol to wet the cloth, as alcohol is highly flammable
  • Don’t worry about your stuff (purse, backpack, etc.). It’s replaceable, you’re not
  • If you are in a group, agree on an assembly point, somewhere you can all get to safely, then don’t worry too much about keeping together
  • Move safely, and try not to trample/push others, but leave as quickly as possible
  • Stay as calm as possible, and do not give in to panic. This is easier said than done, but panicking will not help you survive

If you are a Business Owner/Facilities Manager:

  • Keep exits and exit paths clear of clutter
  • ALL doors should open outwards so that the crush of a crowd can not pin the doors closed
  • Install and maintain exit signs and exit pathway markings so that the direction of egress is readily apparent
  • Install and maintain emergency lighting so that in the event of loss of power, there will be visibility
  • Keep all emergency equipment (including exit doors) in good working order and test them regularly

*Find out more about maintenance & testing in our helpful FAQs.

Unfortunately, the Kiss Nightclub Fire will not be the last club fire, but if we all keep in mind the above safety tips, we can make sure that we do not contribute to another tragic event or do not end up as another sad statistic.

Featured Fire Safety Products Part Three – Fire Extinguishers

The Exit Light Company offers a complete selection of fire extinguishers designed to meet the specific requirements of many different locations and types of potential fires. Properly installed and maintained, fire extinguishers help you stop small fires before they become a problem. When choosing a fire extinguisher, bigger is better. Larger fire extinguishers last longer, giving you more time to fight the fire and get to safety.

 

Fire-Extinguisher-ABC-rated-466227-proline-0110

The KD-PRO-25MP-ASB fire extinguisher is sold in cases of 6. Suitable for use on Class A (trash, wood & paper) Class B (liquids & gases) and Class C fires (energized electrical equipment), this unit is fitted with a pressure gauge that provides at-a-glance status. It is manufactured from lightweight aluminum cylinder & sturdy aluminum valve assembly and comes with metal retention bracket. A clear instruction label using graphics and easy-to-pull safety pin ensures that anyone can use this product under pressure.

Featured Fire Safety Products Part Two – Carbon Monoxide Detectors

The Exit Light Company offers a complete selection of carbon monoxide detectors (alarms) designed to meet the specific requirements of different locations and potential dangers. The leading cause of accidental poisoning deaths in North America, Carbon Monoxide (CO) is odorless, tasteless and invisible – a silent killer. The only safe way to know if carbon monoxide is present is to install carbon monoxide detectors (alarms) on every level of your home and in sleeping areas.

 
carbon-monoxide-detector-alarm-AC-powered-900-0235The KN-COB-DP-LS is a great fixture for customers wanting to increase their protection without the cost of installation. The Nighthawk 900-0235 AC Powered, Plug-In carbon monoxide alarm with battery backup is an easy to install unit that provides reliable protection against the dangers of carbon monoxide. Written information and instruction make this unit’s operation easy to understand for anyone. The Nighthawk AC/DC Basic alarm has a small, sleek design that is suitable for all living areas and has a 7-year limited warranty. The Nighthawk 900-0235 provides you and your family with a loud warning signal against the dangers of elevated carbon monoxide levels in your home. The battery backup feature provides continuous monitoring of CO levels, even during power outages when AC-only units are not providing protection. The Nighthawk CO alarm has a 7-year product life, providing 40% longer protection than other CO alarms. Click here to see all available carbon monoxide detectors including smoke alarm/carbon monoxide combination units.

Featured Fire Safety Products Part One – Smoke Alarms

The Exit Light Company offers a complete selection of smoke detectors / alarms designed to meet the specific requirements of areas of the home and types of fires. Properly installed and maintained, residential smoke alarms are one of the best and least expensive ways to provide an early warning when a fire begins. Smoke alarms save lives, prevent injuries and minimize property damage by alerting residents early to a fire hazard. Both residential and commercial customers will find a variety of units for their applications.

 

smoke-detector-dc- wireless-ul-listed-0919-9999All customers would benefit from the KD-RF-SM-DC. These units can be quickly installed to an interconnected smoke alarm system without the mess of rewiring or cost of labor. This battery-powered, UL Listed alarm links with other alarms and components to create a customized, advanced fire protection system. It even can be placed in a detached workshop or shed and linked into the system. Interconnected alarms provide early warning against fire by adding additional coverage throughout your home, dramatically increasing your ability to hear an alarm anywhere, regardless of where the fire starts. When one alarm sounds they all do! Newer homes are required by code to have interconnected alarms. Wireless technology enables any home to have an interconnected system, keeping its occupants safe.