Determining the effective distance of emergency evacuation signs

Determination of the effective distance of emergency evacuation signs (EESs) is a basic requirement for optimising and improving emergency sign systems. This paper proposes a computational model for calculating the effective distance of EESs, taking into consideration an inertia effect as well as other factors that influence evacuation processes. The model is then incorporated into an evacuation model by extending the movement rules of cellular automata (CA). Finally, evacuation simulation experiments are conducted to confirm the necessity and rationality of computing the effective distance of EESs. The effective distance computational model can mirror the interaction between the evacuees and EESs, making the evacuation model even closer to the complexity and heterogeneity of a real evacuation.

► The evacuees respond to EESs with incompliance and inertia.
► We propose a computational model for calculating the effective distance of EESs.
► The effective distance of EESs is distinguished from their visibility distance.
► Seamless or completely coverage of EESs is not necessary.
► The effect of EESs on evacuation efficiency is influenced by familiarity and the number of evacuees.