What happens in a fire

Studies on human behavior in reaction to fires have lead to the creation of the following equation

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Detection time - Starts with fire initiation. Covers the time it takes for smoke to reach an alarm or to bee seen by a human

Alarm time - The alarm is triggered or someone raises the alarm

Recognition Time - The threat is received and understood

Response Time - The decision on how to act is made

Movement time - The time it takes to evade the threat

If the RSET is greater than the ASET then there is going to be a serious problem. 

The quicker the RSET can be achieved the more favorable the outcome. Some things that can be implemented are more smoke alarms dispersed throughout the house. This will help during the early stages of detection and alarm time. The quicker the device can catch a threat the quicker it can then communicate that threat. If there can also be an improvement with how that information is communicated then that will shorten the alarm time and recognition time. Having an escape plan and drills will help with recognition response and movement times.