In 1985, a fire in the stands at a packed football stadium in Bradford, England, sent fans scurrying onto the field, laughing and whooping at the light divertissement. What wasn't so funny was the fact that the entire stand burned to the ground in less than ten minutes killing several people and wounding many others. Forcefully opening with footage from that tragic event, Public Assembly Fire Safety, the third program in The Idea Bank's immaculately produced fire safety series (see Fire in the Workplace [VL-1/95] and Getting Out Alive [VL-1/96]) covers some of the same material presented in the two earlier tapes, but the focus here is more on the peculiar dangers presented by places permitting public assembly, i.e., theaters, sports arenas, schools and libraries. California State Fire Marshal Ron Coleman advises viewers on the importance of early detection systems, clearly visible and unblocked exits, and constant maintenance and drills, while Nancy Karl, a consultant to businesses on the issue of fire safety, underscores the importance of staff training and preparedness in the event of a fire. If you can only afford one, Fire in the Workplace is the best bet; however, if budget allows, the series price of $435 offers considerable savings. Recommended for public, school, and academic libraries. Aud: K, E, I, J, H, C, P. (R. Pitman)
Public Assembly Fire Safety
(1996) 15 min. $195. The Idea Bank. PPR. Color cover. Vol. 11, Issue 5
Public Assembly Fire Safety
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