Circulus

This is not surprising. Ever been in a building when a fire alarm goes off? I am usually the first one out the door. 85% do not move until they smell smoke or get ordered out. Some never leave.

I don't blame the panicked people, really. The appropriate actions in these kinds of situations should be taught to kids early on with catchy jingles. Is there anybody who made it through the public school system that doesn't know to "call 911" in an emergency, or to "stop, drop, and roll" when on fire? If authorities came up with a catchy jingle for a few other dangerous scenarios, which all amount to "get the hell out of there", getting drilled into their heads as kids, many more people would act in a reasonable manner when under stress.

"Fear is the mind-killer. Fear is the little-death that brings total obliteration."

Those who know not how to move through their fear to the other side and act always find themselves trapped in an emergency, no matter what they've been taught. It doesn't take any effort or training to realize that attempting to swim away from a sinking boat is better than staying on board.

However, for one frozen by fear, no thoughts are had, so no amount of prior training will matter.