This is a tough topic to cover, as we often look forward to large-scale events that need the large venues to accommodate. Looking back in history, there was a fire at the Iriquois Theatre in Chicago in 1903 that killed 603 people in a matinee performance at the newly opened theatre.

In Hartford, Conn., the Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey circus came into town on a hot July day in 1944. That fire that started under the big top killed 167 people who were out for an afternoon of entertainment. In Bradford, England, an outdoor soccer stadium had a fire start under the bleacher seating, killing 56 people.

These fires illustrate the point that safety must be a key consideration when heading out to a venue of this size.

Most people are quite familiar with the main entrance they entered through, and they make a mental note of where it is located since they plan to use the same doors when leaving. This can become a problem in a fire situation, where a fast-growing fire pushes crowds to the exit as quickly as possible.

This can often be faster than the exit will allow, leading to delays in evacuation. The Station nightclub in Rhode Island had a fire start on the main stage when a band lit their pyrotechnics off, igniting the soundproofing material. Many of the patrons headed toward the main entrance, resulting in the delay of the building’s evacuation.

It is interesting to note that majority of the 100 fire deaths from that event were presumed to have passed by a less crowded exit to get to the main entrance/exit…because that was the same location they used to enter the night club just minutes before.

Look around and locate all of the exits near your seat the next time you are at a large event. The main entrance you used to enter can be one to consider, but look around you. There is a good chance you may find exits that are closer. Look in both directions, as the event causing evacuation may be to either side of you, so you may be forced to exit in a different direction. Avoid following the crowd and stick with your plan if you had already looked around and put a plan in your mind.

Many people consider these large venues to be fully protected by fire suppression systems. While this may be true for most newer structures, many of the older buildings were built before suppression systems were a part of the code, and can continue to operate without them.

Do not block doors open on your way out. You may consider this to be a time-saving move for those who may be behind you, but the fresh air allows for rapid spread of fire into the burning area with plenty of oxygen available.

Fire extinguishers should be conspicuously marked and easily accessible. Remember that portable fire extinguishers are designed for occupant use, to control or extinguish small fires. If you think the fire is beyond the scope of a fire extinguisher, pass it by. You may find pull alarms on your way outside. If so, pull them to alert firefighters so they can begin their response.

Large venue events can be fun and exciting. Just take a few minutes to make sure that you are safe during the performance.

Shadd Whitehead is the fire chief for the City of Livonia Fire Department.