Half a century ago a discount department store in the Harrisburg burnt to the ground and a score of employees died. To avoid theft, the fire exits in the rear of the building had been chained.
This was shocking to us then, but subsequently we have learned about or seen the same tragedy strike again and again throughout the world.
A century ago Triangle Shirtwaist Company factory in New York City burned, killing 145 worker, in most cases because exits had been closed off or locked to prevent potential employee theft.
Just a few days ago a nightclub fire killed 231 people in southern Brazil. When an investigation is concluded, we would be surprised if it does not reveal that fire exits had been concealed and / or blocked.
We have visited merchandise shows and seen displays set up in front of fire exits.
We visit restaurants and see the corridor leading to the rear exit partially blocked with cartons, tables and chairs. (A decade ago a popular downtown restaurant had its fire exit blocked by a table and chairs up against the door. They also had open candles on a table set with paper place mats! We helped put an end to that.)
Proper signage and clear access to emergency exits are essential. Unfortunately, this is not widely understood and practiced. So there will be more tragic mass deaths.
If we keep our eyes open and speak out, perhaps we can avoid tragedy occurring here.
Interesting how the greatest tragedies have nothing to do with semi-automatic weapons. May we should confiscate the ability to have rock concerts.
EDITOR: We do restrict the ability to have rock concerts. There are zoning and subdivision laws, building codes, fire regulations and inspections. You make the case for regulation of ‘weapons of war.’
How do we get churches to maintain fire exits? I complained recently about a fire exit being blocked by a vinyl sign that was tied over the door. I was told that there was nothing to worry about.
A previous church I attended did not remove snow and ice from a fire exit. It was 3 feet deep. My brother has noticed the same problem at his church.
How do we keep the congregations including children safe?