Citation

Ozel F. Safety Sci. 2001; 38(2): 95-107.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2001, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

While human beings, as information processing entities, use environmental cues during route selection in fire emergencies, time pressure, i.e. the limited time available to people, and the stress created by the physical threat of fire, can affect how they process environmental information. This study focuses on theories on decision making under time pressure and stress, and applies them to the area of emergency egress and route selection during fires. Narrowing of the range of cues attended to under time pressure, the emphasis placed on the negative aspects of decision alternatives and filtering of information are some of the examples of distortions in the information processing capacity of the individual. Spatial behavior greatly relies on how environmental information is utilized, and therefore any miscalculations in the use of this information can lead to ineffective spatial, thus exiting, behavior. Furthermore, while some degree of stress can lead to a beneficial vigilance in information processing, further increase in stress can create a hypervigilant state, limiting the capacity of the individual to process environmental information effectively. The article also provides examples from investigative reports of fires to further discuss the topics addressed.