Clark School Press Release Story

In Case of Fire, Use the Elevator

Clark School Hosts International Symposium on Fire Safety Science

MEDIA ADVISORY  June 14, 2011

CONTACT:
Melissa Corley
301 405 6501
mcorley@umd.edu

WHAT: Typically, building fire evacuees are warned to only use the stairs to exit the structure. However, some newer buildings around the world include elevators that may be used in the case of a fire. During the 10th International Association for Fire Safety Science Symposium, experts from the U.S. and Japan will lead a discussion on how people around the world evacuate burning buildings, their fears and concerns, problems for the disabled, and other topics many people wonder about. The title of this session is "HUMAN RESPONSE: How will people use elevators for evacuation during a building fire?"

WHO: Hosted by the Department of Fire Protection Engineering at the University of Maryland's A. James Clark School of Engineering, the symposium will attract 350 attendees from 25 countries. The news media are welcome to attend this workshop and any other symposium presentations.

WHEN: The session described above will take place from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. on Sunday, June 19, 2011. The entire symposium runs from noon on Sunday, June 19, to midday Friday, June 24 (see link to full agenda below).

WHERE: The Stamp Student Union, University of Maryland, College Park (link to directions: http://www.stamp.umd.edu/visitorInfo/directions.shtml)

**MEDIA: call ahead for a parking code and instructions**

More Information: IAFSS Symposium Homepage: http://www.fpe.umd.edu/iafss-june11/
Full agenda (opens PDF): http://www.fpe.umd.edu/iafss-june11/docs/IAFSS_2011_Final_Schedule.pdf
Clark School Department of Fire Protection Engineering: http://www.fpe.umd.edu/