Visibility and Human Behavior in Fire Smoke

This chapter presents the scientific basis for establishing effective safety evacuation countermeasures, that is, evacuation plans, escape signs, and so forth in case of fire. The data were obtained in Japan, but should provide more general guidance internationally. In particular, issues of physical and physiological effects of fire smoke on evacuees are addressed. The chapter consists of three sections: (1) visibility, (2) characteristics of human behavior, and (3) development of an intensive system for escape guidance in fire smoke.