In Case Of Emergency, Read Blog

A new study from Columbia University’s National Center For Disaster Preparedness says that organizational factors delayed evacuation from the World Trade Center towers on 9/11 and offers recommendations to improve evacuations in the future. The team, headed by Robyn R. Gershon, Professor of Clinical Sociomedical Sciences at Columbia’s Mailman School of Public Health, found that the Trade Center evacuation:  

“…was delayed by lack of awareness and experience in evacuation procedures; making phone calls; seeking out co-workers; and personal concerns about one’s own ability (e.g. health and stamina) to descend multiple flights of stairs. Workers also delayed their evacuation because they were waiting for their supervisor’s permission to leave. The length of time for the entire evacuation process was lengthened by inappropriate footwear; confusion about where the staircases were located and where they terminated; and periodic congestion on stairs. Injuries were associated most often with physical disabilities (i.e., those with physical disabilities were more likely to be injured during the evacuation process).”

The researchers made recommendations for high-rise emergency preparedness, including:

“mandatory training and drills, such as full-building evacuation drills…team members also suggested that employees keep comfortable footwear and emergency supplies at their desks.”

The study also offered an important overall conclusion that I think is not only applicable to companies and buildings but to the society as a whole:

“One of the most important recommendations…made was to encourage the development of a clear cut emergency preparedness climate that is communicated to personnel…Emergency preparedness is a shared responsibility.”