A computer-implemented method includes: determining, by a computing device, a location of an individual in a building relative to the location of an exit of the building; determining, by the computing device, the location of obstacles or hazards within the building; determining, by the computing device, a path from the individual to the exit based on determining the location of the individual relative to the exit and the location of the obstacles or hazards; generating, by the computing device, signaling instructions based on the path; and outputting, by the computing device, the signaling instructions to one or more signaling devices, wherein the outputting the signaling instructions control operations of the one or more signaling devices to guide the individual to the exit based on the path.

A computer-implemented method includes: determining, by a computing device, a location of an individual in a building relative to the location of an exit of the building; determining, by the computing device, the location of obstacles or hazards within the building; determining, by the computing device, a path from the individual to the exit based on determining the location of the individual relative to the exit and the location of the obstacles or hazards; generating, by the computing device, signaling instructions based on the path; and outputting, by the computing device, the signaling instructions to one or more signaling devices, wherein the outputting the signaling instructions control operations of the one or more signaling devices to guide the individual to the exit based on the path.

A computer-implemented method includes: determining, by a computing device, a location of an individual in a building relative to the location of an exit of the building; determining, by the computing device, the location of obstacles or hazards within the building; determining, by the computing device, a path from the individual to the exit based on determining the location of the individual relative to the exit and the location of the obstacles or hazards; generating, by the computing device, signaling instructions based on the path; and outputting, by the computing device, the signaling instructions to one or more signaling devices, wherein the outputting the signaling instructions control operations of the one or more signaling devices to guide the individual to the exit based on the path.

An integrated building evacuation system includes an evacuation controller; a fire alarm system in communication with the evacuation controller; an HVAC system in communication with the evacuation controller; a security system in communication with the evacuation controller; an elevator system in communication with the evacuation controller; and an output device in communication with the evacuation controller; the evacuation controller receiving data from the fire alarm system, the HVAC system, the security system and the elevator system to generate an evacuation path, during an evacuation event, for occupants of a building in response to the data from the fire alarm system, HVAC system, security system and elevator system, the evacuation controller providing the evacuation path to the output device.

An integrated building evacuation system includes an evacuation controller; a fire alarm system in communication with the evacuation controller; an HVAC system in communication with the evacuation controller; a security system in communication with the evacuation controller; an elevator system in communication with the evacuation controller; and an output device in communication with the evacuation controller; the evacuation controller receiving data from the fire alarm system, the HVAC system, the security system and the elevator system to generate an evacuation path, during an evacuation event, for occupants of a building in response to the data from the fire alarm system, HVAC system, security system and elevator system, the evacuation controller providing the evacuation path to the output device.

An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) or manned/unmanned personal flying device (PFD) may be used to deliver a deployable descent system to an elevated location at which people await rescue, such as people trapped in an upper story of a burning building. The UAV or PFD may be used to deliver the descent system, attach the descent system to the building, and deploy the descent system. After deployment, the descent system may be tensioned to prevent sway and facilitate descent. Standoffs may be installed or integrated into the descent system to provide for adequate handholds for descending individuals. Various equipment and methods used in such systems are described herein.

An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) or manned/unmanned personal flying device (PFD) may be used to deliver a deployable descent system to an elevated location at which people await rescue, such as people trapped in an upper story of a burning building. The UAV or PFD may be used to deliver the descent system, attach the descent system to the building, and deploy the descent system. After deployment, the descent system may be tensioned to prevent sway and facilitate descent. Standoffs may be installed or integrated into the descent system to provide for adequate handholds for descending individuals. Various equipment and methods used in such systems are described herein.

A device for rescuing a downed firefighter comprising a first rigid non flammable leg having a proximal end and a distal end, a second rigid non flammable leg having a proximal end and a distal end, a connecting member, the proximal end of the first leg and the second leg being connected to the connecting member, the first and second rigid non flammable legs diverging outwardly from the proximal ends to the distal ends, a grasping element being secured to the connecting member, at least one flexible cross member extending between the first leg and the second leg, and at least one flexible strap secured to at least one of the legs or cross member. The device is particularly useful for rescuing downed firefighters.

An offshore oil and gas platform 14, 16 has equipment and piping associated with an oil and gas installation. A method for optimising fire protection for the platform 14, 16 comprises: arranging the platform 14, 16 to have an evacuation time of at most 15 minutes or less using one or more evacuation route(s) via a gangway or bridge 136 allowing personnel to escape to a vessel or to another platform 14, 16; determining a maximum evacuation time for the platform 14, 16; assessing the risk to personnel using the evacuation route(s) in accordance with the determined maximum evacuation time in the event of a fire; and providing passive fire protection to equipment and/or piping on the platform 14, 16 in order to prevent escalation of the fire that would create a risk to personnel on the evacuation route(s) during the determined evacuation time.

An offshore oil and gas platform 14, 16 has equipment and piping associated with an oil and gas installation. A method for optimising fire protection for the platform 14, 16 comprises: arranging the platform 14, 16 to have an evacuation time of at most 15 minutes or less using one or more evacuation route(s) via a gangway or bridge 136 allowing personnel to escape to a vessel or to another platform 14, 16; determining a maximum evacuation time for the platform 14, 16; assessing the risk to personnel using the evacuation route(s) in accordance with the determined maximum evacuation time in the event of a fire; and providing passive fire protection to equipment and/or piping on the platform 14, 16 in order to prevent escalation of the fire that would create a risk to personnel on the evacuation route(s) during the determined evacuation time.