California School for the Deaf Installs Unique Fire Escape (silent,1913)

This black-and-white silent film captures the installation of an innovative fire escape at the California School for the Deaf in Berkeley in 1913. The footage shows children sliding down the chute-style escape, allowing for rapid evacuation at a rate of 150 children per minute. Representatives from the Board of Education and Fire Department observe and test the system, marveling at the efficiency of this unique safety measure. The film includes various views of the chute, children exiting in rapid succession, and a final scene of the entire school and faculty assembled in front of the building. This early footage highlights both a commitment to student safety and the ingenuity of fire escape technology, with a touch of lightheartedness as officials and students alike interact with the chute.

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