Factors influencing fire safety and evacuation preparedness among residential high-rise building occupants

Abstract

Purpose. As urban populations grow, the number of people living in high-rise buildings will increase, resulting in higher occupant densities and an amplified risk in the event of a fire. Most of what is known regarding high-rise fire safety is from research involving commercial high-rise building occupants. Less is known about residential high-rise occupants’ fire preparedness. This report shares findings from a study that sought to better understand factors influencing fire safety and evacuation preparedness among residential high-rise occupants. Methods. A qualitative research study was done using semi-structured interviews. Thematic analysis was conducted on interview data and themes on preparedness for fires and building evacuation were extracted. Analysis was guided by Ajzen’s theory of planned behavior (TPB). Results. Twelve (N = 12) residents from 8 buildings participated, 25% male, 75% female, ages ranged from 31-71. Years living in their current high-rise building ranged from 1-35 years. Most (67%) had experienced a high-rise fire in their building, and most (67%) had experience evacuating a high-rise. One half had some form of exposure to fire safety or emergency preparedness (EP) training. Five primary themes emerged from qualitative interview data: attitudes towards fire safety, building fire safety culture, perceived ability to prepare for fires, intentions to prepare, and occupant fire preparedness behaviors. Discussion. Having at least one household member with prior training in fire safety/EP, and building fire safety culture, were found to be important factors influencing occupant fire safety behaviors. The TPB was found to be useful for describing fire preparedness among residential high-rise occupants. Factors influencing evacuation decision-making differed somewhat from commercial high-rise occupants due to the presence of children, pets, and older residents. These factors may prolong total evacuation time in residential high-rises. Implications for nursing and policy, and future research on this topic were also discussed.