A couple of thoughts triggered by yesterday’s post on the Swiss Nightclub fire.

As I was researching the tragic fire at the Le Constellation Nightclub in Switzerland, I kept asking myself: have we not learned anything from history? In Lessons Learned Chicago, Dr Susan and I researched the horrific loss of life in the Iroquois Theatre Fire (1903). In this over packed theatre, it is estimated that 575 people were killed on the day of the fire, while at least 30 more died of injuries over the following weeks. As we learned in our research into The Great Chicago Fire, the lives of approximately 300 people were lost in the Great Fire by comparison. One of the many key learnings was that in public places it is important to have the exit doors opening out.

In the Iroquois Theatre, the bodies were up to 14 people high with deep fingernail scratches on the doors that opened inwards.

Perhaps it is my training, and the fire claims I have attended but I am extremely careful when I go to any venue. If I feel uncomfortable, I just leave. The place that scared me the most was the famous Moulin Rouge in Paris. It was so crowded with tables jammed up so close together, I felt it was a death trap waiting to happen, should there be a fire or terrorist event. I was so uncomfortable I got my family and I out of there.

It was not just the crowding but the realisation that panic would ensure and tables and chairs would be flying every which way causing people to fall and even greater panic ensuing. Nothing happened on the night nor thankfully since, but I would rather be safe than sorry (or worse).

I do not suggest we all stop enjoying life but as Terry and I stressed yesterday, it is important to be situationally aware, wherever you all the time. If it does not feel right, leave the building or the area.