THEATRE AUDIENCE SAFETY

Evening Star, Issue 24466, 30 March 1943, Page 2

THEATRE AUDIENCE SAFETY

EMERGENCY PRECAUTIONS SCHEME MEASURES FDR ORDERLY EVACUATION (Special.) WELLINGTON, March 29. 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; and the chairmen of the emergency precautious services have been requested to arrange, in conjunction with theatre representatives, for 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 theatre managers bo appointed E.P.S. building wardens; also, theatre employees are to be trained to look after, the building and patrons of the theatre* All employees, male and female, should be enrolled as a theatre unit of the local E.P.S. The local authority is also asked to appoint a. good organiser, with 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 emergency are set out, covering 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 any emergency and if they are familiar with the procedure to he followed. " Frequent rehearsals will be needed at the beginning," the statement proceeds'; "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. Jn addition to their knowledge of fire drill, it is desirable that a section of the theatre staff be irained in first aid treatment." ■■■. To facilitate preparations for orderly evacuation, it is suggested 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 being required always to leave from the exit allocated to the seat they occupy. Should any exits be damaged or become unusuable in an emergency, the ushers will" redirect the occupants of the seats concerned to another. A recommendation is that elides intimating the exits to be used and the correct dispersal route should be screened regularly, also permanent notices posted indicating the exit to be used. A further suggestion is that, following the practice in England, cinemas should project a slide at the beginning of each performance stating 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 proper exit; and (d) they are safer in the theatre than on the streets. The National Service Director has asked the chairmen of the E.P.S. for a report on the progress made with the scheme early next month.