Building theatre patronage : management and merchandising (1927)

Theatre Accidents 419 Precaution. The manager in a fire-proof theatre cannot afford to disregard the emergency of fire. All the precaution taken against an actual fire should also be taken against the panic possibility existing in any crowded theatre. For instance, in a crowded theatre someone might cry "Fire," either through mischievousness or under the false impression that a flash from the booth or the smell of smoke meant real danger. When this has happened, even though the staff was thoroughly trained, and the manager took every precaution to make the proper announcement, injuries from panicjamming have resulted. Imagine what would happen in a crowded theatre at the cry of "fire" if no previous training were given the staff, and if the manager had made no provision for handling such emergency. Porthole covering of the projection room should be inspected regularly so that they can be closed instantly in case there is smoke in the projection room, or in case a piece of film catches fire. With the safety devices found in projection rooms it is not likely that any fire would spread and cause a serious danger. But it takes no more than smoke through the porthole or flame or glare to excite some nervous patron in the balcony into crying "Fire." It is not enough to have the porthole covers controlled by fusible links, so that they will close automatically in case of a serious fire in the projection booth, but there should be a knife handy to cut the ropes immediately, or a handle to close the doors immediately as well, in case of a small fire which is not enough to melt the fusible link. Hazards. Fire hazards which are common at theatres are indicated so that the manager will be reminded of possible danger points: 1. Panel boxes left open so that a spark might ignite inflammable material near by. 2. Benzine and gasoline used for cleaning where the fumes can reach exposed flame. 3. Smoking on the stage and in dressing rooms.