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GEORGE SCHUTZ Edi+or
A Circuit Checks Itself Up
On Fire Prevention and Control
be prepared to reduce the chance of fire, be prepared to put out a fire quickly should one occur. These are the objectives of an intensive circuit-wide program instituted by Neighborhood Theatres of Richmond, Va.
There is nothing really new about efforts in the motion "picture theatre business to keep fire from being a menace. On the whole, it has been vigilant, with a healthy fear not only of fire, but of panic, to keep it so. And it has earned an economical rat
ing, for its inherent hazards, among all businesses.
It isn't always easy, however, for the awareness of fire at the top of a theatre enterprise to be constantly felt throughout the staff. And the people who are in immediate contact with the physical property are the ones upon which any system of prevention and control must depend. Executives of Neighborhood Theatres recently had reason to believe that their methods of dealing with fire hazards needed re-examina
tion, an overhauling, and intensification. What any experienced theatre operators do about fire hazards, at any time, is of important interest. Here is what the Richmond circuit did, as told in its house organ, Naborvues.
The need was seen to institute "a more definite program of fire prevention and emergency procedure in every theatre." Officials of the Richmond fire department were asked to help develop such a program. First a set of rules and duties for members of all theatre staffs was formulated, and with this as a guide, a program of training in fire prevention was conducted at the Byrd theatre in Richmond. Staff members were instructed by fire department officials,
Manager Robert Coulter of the Byrd theatre in Richmond, Va., inspecting air ducts for trash. Fire spreads easily through air ducts.
If audience must leave, house lights go on, high voltage off. Mr. Coulter and a fire official conduct this demonstration for staff members.
An official of the Richmond Fire Prevention Bureau instructs ushers in the proper use of various types of fire extinguishers.
Claude Wilson, Byrd theatre maintenance chief, demonstrates proper checking of electrical connections for sound insulation.
Many fires originate in basements and furnace rooms. Here Mr. Coulter inspects the Byrd furnace room with a fire official.
Assistant manager George Stitier of the Byrd (left) reviews with Chief Projectionist A. L. Ford proper use of booth fire equipment.