Smart Solutions for Fire Emergencies: how Digital Tech is Revolutionizing Evacuations

With advancements in technology, various innovative products have entered the market, aimed at making the training process more interactive and engaging. The adoption of these new technologies has the potential to overcome many challenges, making the training not only more effective but also more inclusive. This study aims to assess the awareness and effectiveness of digital technologies in emergency evacuations. We explored the potential of advanced tools such as Building Information Modeling (BIM), Virtual Reality (VR), drone photogrammetry, and laser scanner surveying to improve both evacuation procedures and the training related to emergencies. The analysis examined how these tools can be integrated into different phases of an emergency (before, during, and after) to ensure greater efficiency and safety during evacuation operations. Starting from the creation and modeling of environments and evacuation routes through BIM, photogrammetry, or point clouds generated by laser scanning, it is possible to simulate emergency scenarios and prepare personnel for potential evacuations. This type of training would not only benefit staff in workplaces but also rescue operators, who could simulate and prepare for recovery operations in specific and challenging environments, which are often difficult to replicate in real life. Furthermore, virtual reality headsets could be used in the post-emergency phase to analyze actual risk scenes, allowing for a detailed review of the incident and identifying critical points for improvement. This work is based on an analysis of digital technologies, providing recommendations on how to enhance evacuation procedures and personnel training. The goal is to promote a more inclusive and technologically advanced approach to emergency management, one that can be applied across different settings and contexts. In conclusion, we believe that just as we learn to read, do math, and ride a bicycle from a young age, and retain those skills throughout life, we believe that education on evacuation should be given the same level of importance. Through training that incorporates digital technologies, it will be possible to transmit these skills from children to teenagers and adults, offering a simulated demonstration of how to apply theoretical concepts in practice. This will expand their understanding of emergency management