Survival Scenario #1 (from Jack Spirko, The Survival Podcast)

[TFOGGER]

1) Avoid the mall.

2)When entering a public venue, be aware of the exits, both marked and unmarked. Have a plan to get to an alternate exit if for some reason your preferred exit becomes untenable.

3)Be aware of the people around you, and what they're doing

4) Assess the situation, and take appropriate action (rapid exit, delayed exit, shelter in place, seek cover/concealment and respond to the threat, etc.)

The key for me is to have a plan in advance, that way you're not thinking about WHAT to do, you're only faced with HOW to accomplish it.

[cmailliard]

Similar to Fogger and Zombie

As a Firefighter the first thing you do before you go in anywhere you know other ways out. When inside know all other ways out, always be looking for another way out. 90% of people will use the same doors to exit that did to enter (The Station Nightclub fire, watch the video). Malls are a little different because they are so big, but know all the exits. Know not just the labeled exits but know how to get though walls to a safer area, don't be afraid to break some shit. This is pretty easy when needed. If you visit the Mills Mall in Lakewood understand that the inner ring of stores is supplied by tunnels under the mall and come up in the middle. If you cannot get to the outside, get to the inside service area and find a tunnel to get out.

To avoid the trample effect find reinforced cover, such as a pillar or other part of the structure. Do not use a kiosk in the middle, it will move. Get on the downwind (so to speak) side of the pillar, this can afford some protection.

Play the what if game. As a firefighter I would do this all the time with my crew (what if Casa Bontia is fire? If it 3am and there are no cars, that bitch is burning down). Play what if at different venues. A real fun one, Mile High or Pepsi Center.

[Ah Pook]

1) Avoid the mall.

Nuf said.

I was at the Stock Show on Saturday. Way too many people for my comfort. Caught myself playing "what if" a few times.