Showmen's Trade Review (Apr-Jun 1942)

May 23, 1942 SHOWMEN'S TRADE REVIEW Page 41 Ways to Lessen the Hazards of "Danger Spots" Elsewhere in this issue is the news account of the "E" citation given to the Forum Theatre, Los Angeles, by that city's fire department for the practice of safety regulations. The declaration of the Fire Chief to the effect that he would not hesitate to recommend that theatre as a haven of safety, is one of the finest and most important "prestige" factors that any theatre could enjoy. Confidence of the people in the safety of the theatre is a tremendous factor for good will and for patronage that pays oft in profits. There never has been a time when the theatremen should have been anything but religioush' devoted to insuring the safety of his patrons by constant and diligent inspection and the enforcement of rules which would prevent all unavoidable accidents. There is no easy way to institute a plan for avoiding a disaster in the theatre — but there are man}' ways to minimize the possibilities of such happenings. The ways are regular, standardized inspection and rigid enforcement of safety rules. The complete checkup of the property' is a job of scores of details. But there are basic "danger spots" which require special and daily attention. The manager himself should make certain that these danger spots are checked. Among the most important are the following : Panic bolts and exit door hardware must be e.xamined each da} both by the janitor and the usher on duty nearest to each exit door. Fire escape stairs and walks must be kept free of rubbish and regularly inspected. Falling plaster has started more panics than fire. In theatres with hanging ceilings, regular inspections must be made to see that there are no cracks. Places to Check Stair wells, hand rails, carpets at aisle heads, carpets on stairs, lighting of stairs and exits, lights outside of exit doors, must be checked daily. If trap doors or openings of any kind occur in an exit passage on the outside of the theatre, XE\'ER, under anj circumstances, even when theatre is not open to public, allow such places to be unprotected. Theatres equipped with a fire alarm box must designate someone on duty on every shift to turn in the alarm in case of emergency. It must be kept in mind that the need of the fire department would be essential in any panic whether caused by fire or otherwise. Doors not unlocked, obstacles in exit passages, slippery walks outside exits, loose handrails or torn carpets, these are a few of the negligent angles for which j'ou must maintain a constant watch. Fire shutters in the booth have the ugly habit of refusing to work just when they are needed and statistics prove that this is true only where they are rarely or never tested. It is your duty to visit the booth at least once a week to see Outside Exit Lights It is "tentatively recommended" that 10watt lamps of deep red be used for exterior exit lights for theatres in blackout areas. There are no definite recommendations for exterior exit lights in the "Suggested Regulations for Theatres" issued by the Office of Civilian Defense, recently circulated to theatres, and it is understood that no recommendations covering the exit lights will be contained in the specifications "Blackout of Buildings which will soon be issued by the OCD. STR has been advised that the 10-watt deep red lamps, shielded from overhead observation and to be completely invisible at a distance of 500 feet are regarded as suitable to the blackout requirements and the purposes of affording the necessary illumination for outside exit lights. them tested and repaired if they fail to work to your entire satisfaction. A fire of minor importance in a remote part of the theatre but not known to the patrons requires smart handling by the manager and staff. Phone your alarm to your fire department cautioning them that the theatre has patrons who might be frightened by the howling of fire sirens and bells. They will cooperate because they too must avoid panic. You must provide that janitors' used cleaning rags are properly disposed of ; that the heating plant enclosure is free of rubbish, ashes and odd storage : that stage dressing rooms are clean and orderly ; that no film is allowed to be stored outside the booth ; that fire extinguishers are conspicuously located and recharged at proper periods ; that the booth does not contain clothing. magazines, newspapers or other inflammable materials of furnishing ; that its walls are kept free of posters, pictures or placards ; that there is a "no smoking" sign in the booth ; that there is a '"no admittance" posted outside the projection booth — and that this regulation is enforced at all times. New Theatre for Norfolk, Va. Norfolk. \'a. — Application has been made here to the City Council by D. H. Goodman, Inc., for a permit to operate a motion picture theatre in the south end of the City Market building in the space formerly occupied by the Union Bus Terminal. Expenses of converting and remodelling the premises as a theatre would be borne by the applicant. ~ S-ASt Of The Theatreman's WARTIME GUIDE! This 64-page book, together with a series of practical posters on wartime duties oi theatremen, has been sent to every picture theatre in the United States, Issued as a patriotic service by The Strong Electric Corporation, the book is packed with vitally important information on theatre operation under wartime restrictions. It tells how to prolong the life of your equipment, how to use substitute materials, and how to meet equipment emergencies. One section i? devoted to Civilian Defense as it applies to theatres, another on Practical First Aid was prepared especially for thecrtre staffs. This book fills a definite need with theatremen who have recognized the importance of preparing for the emergency but who have lacked information as to proper procedure. If you do not receive your free copies, address: The Wartime Emergency Service Department The Strong Electric Corporation 2501 Lagrange Street Toledo, Ohio. Manufacturers of the famous Strong Projection Arc Lamps.