FOR THE PUBLIC

• Stop everything. Or as fire researcher Guylene Proulx says, stop the show. When an alarm sounds, take it seriously; stop what you're doing and figure out what to do next. For managers of public areas, stop the movie, halt the event, do what it takes to get people ready to move.
  
• Expect to receive fire safety information (where the exits are, what to do in an emergency) at least from the bellman at a hotel, if not from the check-in staff.
  
• Find the fire exits when you enter your hotel room and perform a dry run. Make sure everyone staying with you does this since you might not all be together if a fire breaks out.
  
• Pack a hotel fire kit that includes a smoke alarm, flashlight and duct tape.
  
• When you enter a public building like a mall or stadium, check out the location of the fire exits. Don't wait until there's an emergency to start searching.
  
• Take action when you hear an alarm. Don't assume it's a false alarm.

FOR BUILDING MANAGERS

• Use one standard sound for fire alarms. There are a myriad of sounds now and although this rule is now in force, it's not retroactive. Older venues can still use a host of alarm sounds.
  
  
• Use lighted strips on stairways and exit passages. They help guide people in smoky, darkened areas.
  
  
• Tell the truth when fire is detected. Sugarcoating the message, cloaking it in jargon or keeping it a secret don't really help the situation. Remember, most people do not panic when they're told a blaze has erupted.
  
  
• Building managers should strive for some sort of communication system beyond an alarm. A public address system is important if you want to communicate clearly.
  
  
• Think about installing a closed circuit TV system to monitor how people are behaving. In an emergency it can help direct your resources where they're needed most.