* People evacuate stairwells in a predictable manner. They tend to follow the wall on the right side, and they move at a relatively slow speed.
* The width of the stairwell affects the evacuation time. Wider stairwells allow people to evacuate more quickly.
* The number of people in the stairwell affects the evacuation time. The more people there are in the stairwell, the longer it takes to evacuate.
* The presence of obstacles in the stairwell can slow down evacuation. Obstacles such as furniture, boxes, and debris can make it difficult for people to move through the stairwell.
* People with disabilities may need assistance to evacuate stairwells. People who are unable to walk or who have difficulty walking may need help getting down the stairs.
* We don't know exactly how people make decisions about which way to go in a stairwell. Some people follow the wall on the right side, while others follow the wall on the left side. It is not clear why people make these choices.
* We don't know how people react to different types of emergencies. People may behave differently in a fire than they do in an earthquake.
* We don't know how people's behavior in stairwells is affected by factors such as stress, fatigue, and intoxication. These factors can all affect a person's ability to make decisions and move quickly.
* We don't know how to design stairwells that are optimal for evacuation. There are many different factors to consider when designing stairwells, such as the width of the stairs, the number of stairs, and the presence of obstacles. It is not clear which design features are most effective in promoting efficient evacuation.
Stairwell evacuation is a complex process that is influenced by a number of factors. We still have a lot to learn about how people evacuate stairwells, but the research that has been conducted has provided us with valuable insights that can help us to design safer buildings.
