Title – Fireworks blamed as 60 are killed at nightclubSource – The Times
Date – 1st January 2009
Sadly yet another tragedy has struck a nightclub in a popular tourist destination and fire has once again claimed too many lives. The reasons are in hindsight so obvious and so wholly avoidable, but across many parts of the world safety standards in bars, nightclubs, hostels and hotels are low and they remain at risk from devastating fires.
Just a few days before this tragedy another tragedy unfolded in Peru, not fire this time, but the release of what was described as ‘tear gas’ resulting in panic, a stampede and the death of 5 partygoers.
These may seem like very separate incidents, but the causes are unfortunately all too similar, but not inevitable. By having a greater sense of awareness you can make yourself aware of the dangers of frequenting these premises and either avoid going to the most dangerous ones or at the very least reduce the risks.
The cause of the fire may well have been fireworks and sparklers which revellers were allowed to bring into the premises or in the case of Peru the gas thrown into a packed dance floor, but the reason for the high fatalities was more to do with the poor management and safety standards. Lack of exits, closed or locked exits, no separation in the building, lack of emergency lighting, overcrowding, flammable decorations and lack of trained staff.
Taking some simple steps can reduce your risk to some degree. Always look for alternative exits when you arrive, do they look blocked or locked in any way? Does the premises feel uncomfortably full? Can you see any emergency lighting? How will you get to safety and if your primary route is unavailable, how else you can escape? Do the staff look to be in control or overwhelmed? Are there obvious heat sources too close to possible fuel sources?
If you are uncomfortable with any of the answers to these questions then think twice about staying and choose somewhere else to go for your night out or somewhere else to stay. Taking a chance should never be an option.
Consider other steps you can take to reduce the risk. Have a torch to hand, stay near the exit you have identified, stay out of the busiest parts of the venue, look for a safe haven, be prepared to leave if the situation deteriorates.
At
Beyond The Blue (Safe Gap Year) our Gap Year and Independent Travel Safety & Awareness Workshop (GYITSA) considers issues of Travel Safety including fire safety and accommodation choices and ways of reducing the risks you face on your travels.Date – 1st January 2009
Sadly yet another tragedy has struck a nightclub in a popular tourist destination and fire has once again claimed too many lives. The reasons are in hindsight so obvious and so wholly avoidable, but across many parts of the world safety standards in bars, nightclubs, hostels and hotels are low and they remain at risk from devastating fires.
Just a few days before this tragedy another tragedy unfolded in Peru, not fire this time, but the release of what was described as ‘tear gas’ resulting in panic, a stampede and the death of 5 partygoers.
These may seem like very separate incidents, but the causes are unfortunately all too similar, but not inevitable. By having a greater sense of awareness you can make yourself aware of the dangers of frequenting these premises and either avoid going to the most dangerous ones or at the very least reduce the risks.
The cause of the fire may well have been fireworks and sparklers which revellers were allowed to bring into the premises or in the case of Peru the gas thrown into a packed dance floor, but the reason for the high fatalities was more to do with the poor management and safety standards. Lack of exits, closed or locked exits, no separation in the building, lack of emergency lighting, overcrowding, flammable decorations and lack of trained staff.
Taking some simple steps can reduce your risk to some degree. Always look for alternative exits when you arrive, do they look blocked or locked in any way? Does the premises feel uncomfortably full? Can you see any emergency lighting? How will you get to safety and if your primary route is unavailable, how else you can escape? Do the staff look to be in control or overwhelmed? Are there obvious heat sources too close to possible fuel sources?
If you are uncomfortable with any of the answers to these questions then think twice about staying and choose somewhere else to go for your night out or somewhere else to stay. Taking a chance should never be an option.
Consider other steps you can take to reduce the risk. Have a torch to hand, stay near the exit you have identified, stay out of the busiest parts of the venue, look for a safe haven, be prepared to leave if the situation deteriorates.
At
Please visit our website at www.safegapyear.com or join us on Facebook. For a complete list of Blog entries visit our National Press Archive page.
For more information on any of our services, please call us on 0845 602 55 95 or Contact Us.
No comments:
Post a Comment