descending civilians or whether but for the firefighters' presence the poor
behavior of a very few civilians could have caused a dangerous and panicked
mob flight. But the positive impact of the first responders on the evacuation
came at a tremendous cost of first responder lives lost.
The "first" first responders on 9/11, as in most catastrophes, were private-
sector civilians. Because 85 percent of our nation's critical infrastructure is
controlled not by government but by the private sector, private-sector civil-
ians are likely to be the first responders in any future catastrophes. For that
reason, we have assessed the state of private sector and civilian preparedness
in order to formulate recommendations to address this critical need. Our rec-
ommendations grow out of the experience of the civilians at the World Trade
Center on 9/11.
struck, they were prevented from descending because of damage to or impass-
able conditions in the building's three stairwells. The only hope for those on
the upper floors of the North Tower would have been a swift and extensive air
rescue. Several factors made this impossible. Doors leading to the roof were kept
locked for security reasons, and damage to software in the security command
station prevented a lock release order from taking effect. Even if the doors had
not been locked, structural and radiation hazards made the rooftops unsuitable
staging areas for a large number of civilians; and even if conditions permitted
general helicopter evacuations--which was not the case--only several people
could be lifted at a time.
the North Tower Impact.
after the North Tower was hit.A firm and prompt evacuation order would likely
have led many to safety. Even a strictly "advisory" announcement would not
have dissuaded those who decided for themselves to evacuate. The advice to
stay in place was understandable, however, when considered in its context. At
that moment, no one appears to have thought a second plane could hit the
South Tower. The evacuation of thousands of people was seen as inherently
dangerous. Additionally, conditions were hazardous in some areas outside the
towers.