THEATRE PLAN

Auckland Star, Volume LXXIV, Issue 75, 30 March 1943, Page 2

THEATRE PLAN

SAFETY OF PUBLIC

ACTION IN DOMINION

(0.C.) WELLINGTON, this day. In collaboration with theatre interests and E.P.S. representatives, the National Service Department has drawn up a plan covering emergency precautions in theatres. This step has been taken with a view to the adoption of a uniform policy throughout New Zealand to safeguard theatre audiences in the event of fire, earthquake, or enemy action. The chairmen of Emergency Precautions Services have been requested to arrange, in conjunction with theatre representatives, for the implementation of the procedure laid down in all theatres in their districts at the earliest opportunity. Although the Department requires that certain basic features of the plan must be fulfilled everywhere, in other respects flexibility will be permitted so as to suit varying local conditions. It is suggested that the theatre manager be appointed an E.P.S. building warden; that theatre employees be trained to look after the building and patrons of a theatre; and that all employees, male and female, should be enrolled as a theatre unit of the local E.P.S. Authority is also asked to appoint a good organiser with a knowledge of cinema management to act in an honorary capacity as instructor in theatres. The measures which it is suggested should be carried out in the event of an emergency are set out, and cover fire, earthquake, or air attack. Under the heading of "Preparation and Rehearsals," the statement says that the safety of the public will be best assured if they know that preparations have been made in advance of an emergency, and if they are familiar with the procedure to be followed.

Frequent Rehearsals "Frequent rehearsals will be needed at the beginning," the statement adds. "It is suggested that these should be held twice weekly in every cinema for the first month after this plan comes into operation, and thereafter once a fortnight or once a month. It will be the duty of the instructor for the E.P.S. in cinemas to attend these rehearsals, and satisfy himself that the theatre personnel are all fully conversant with the procedure. In addition to their knowledge of fire drill, it is desirable that a section of a theatre staff be trained in first aid treatment." To facilitate preparations for ; orderly evacuation, it is suggested ! that all seats be divided into blocks," ' the respective blocks being assigned : to the nearest exits. It is laid down : that patrons must be trained by j being required always to leave from ] the exit allocated to the seat they ( occupy. Should any exits be dam- ( aged, or become unusable in an ] emergency, ushers will redirect the . occupants of the seats concerned. ■ l Another recommendation', is. ..that' } slides intimating the exits to be < used, and the correct dispersal route, j should be screened regularly; also ] that permanent notices be posted j indicating the exit to be used. Practice in England ' A further suggestion is that, following the practice in England, , cinemas should project a slide at the ; beginning of each performance, stat- ' ing that, if a raid . occurs. ;(a)~:the. | public will be advised; (b) the show. . will go on; (c) those who wish to do • so may leave the theatre quietly by : the and yidi :. they are safer in -the- theatre than on the streets. . • . ■ > The National Service Director has asked chairmen of the E.P.S. for a , report on the progress made with c the scheme early next month. ®