A fire breaks out in a nightclub. People scream, push, and trample each other to reach the exit. Panic is sudden overwhelming fear that causes irrational behavior in a group. It is a form of collective behavior. It is rare, but when it happens, it can be deadly.

Research shows that panic is not as common as people think. In many emergencies, people help each other and evacuate in an orderly way. Panic occurs when people perceive that escape routes are blocked, that others are competing for the same exit, and that time is running out. The 1942 Cocoanut Grove fire in Boston killed 492 people, many of whom were trapped by blocked exits.

Conditions that fuel panic

• Perceived immediate threat to life
• Limited or blocked escape routes
• Lack of information or contradictory cues
• Density and crowding
• Loss of trust in authorities

Prevention works better than crowd control. Clear exits, regular drills, and calm communication reduce panic. After the 2003 Station nightclub fire in Rhode Island, stricter occupancy and sprinkler laws were enacted.