Udec Corporation

UDEC: LIGHTING THE WAY TO SAFETY
Historical Moment: The Station Nightclub Fire

The Station Nightclub Fire on February 20, 2003, was the fourth-deadliest nightclub fire in U.S. history. The Station, which regularly hosted glam metal and ’80s rock bands, was a nightclub in West Warwick, Rhode Island. 

The fire started around 11:08 p.m., when pyrotechnics, set off by the headlining band’s, Great White, manager lit flammable sounding proofing foam behind the set. People thought at first the fire to be part of the act. Only when the fire reached the ceiling and smoke began to billow did people realize it was uncontrolled.

Just 20 seconds after the pyrotechnics ended, the band stopped playing, and lead singer, Jack Russell, remarked into the microphone, “Wow… this ain’t good.” 

In less than a minute, the entire stage was engulfed in flames. Although there were four possible exits, most people headed for the door through which they entered. 

The ensuing stampede in the inferno led to a crush in the narrow hallway leading to that main entrance, eventually blocking it completely and resulting in numerous deaths and injuries among the patrons and staff, who numbered somewhat more than 404 - although there are conflicting official capacity limits. 

Of those in attendance, 100 people died and over 200 were injured, either from burns, smoke inhalation or trampling.  Among those who perished in the fire was Great White’s lead guitarist, Ty Longley.

It’s impossible to avoid every calamity or accident, but prevention and safety are our top concerns. UDEC Emergency Lighting provides quality lighting when you need it most.  

UDEC’s Featured Product: Model UR-1 Emergency Lighting Unit

Emergency and economical unit with “EZ” install back plate feature. Modern appearance and low maintenance.

Emergency lighting and exit signs are about saving lives. UDEC Corp. offers powerful and unique solutions and 40 years of experience of emergency lighting and exit signs.  

UDEC: LIGHTING THE WAY TO SAFETY
Historical Moment:  Our Lady of the Angels School Fire

Our Lady of the Angels was an elementary school  in Chicago, Illinois, that ranged from kindergarten through eight grades. Shortly before classes dismissed on December 1, 1958, a fire began in the basement of the north wing where ignition took place in a cardboard trash barrel and smoldered undetected for estimated 10 to 30 minutes.

By the time the fire was noted, thick, suffocating smoke, extreme heat, and superheated gases filled the stairwells and main corridor. For 329 children and 5 teaching nuns, who become trapped on the second floor, the only means of escape was to jump from their windows to the concrete and crushed rock 25 feet below.
 
The school legally had complied with municipal and state fire codes of 1958, but the codes did not address hazards that became fatal in this fire. The only fire escape was near one end of the north wing, but to reach it required passing through the main corridor, which was impassable.

There was no direct alarm connection to the fire department, no heat detectors, no heavy-duty fire doors, no fire sprinklers and smoke detectors were not yet commercially available.

There were two unmarked fire alarm switches in the entire school, and they were in the south wing. There were four fire extinguishers in the north wing; each mounted seven feet off the floor, out of reach for many adults and virtually all of the children.

92 pupils and 3 nuns lost their lives when smoke, heat, and fire cut off their normal means of escape through corridors and stairways. Many perished when jumping from second-floor windows and another 100 were seriously injured.

It’s impossible to avoid every calamity or accident, but prevention and safety are our top concerns. UDEC Emergency Lighting provides quality lighting when you need it most. 

UDEC’s Product Feature: Emergency Light Fixtures: Explosion Proof Emergency Light

Lamp compartment is factory sealed from wiring chamber, eliminating on-the-job sealing. Inspection hole provides easily accessible splice space. There is nothing to hold while splicing to line. Set screw to stem keeps fixture from turning during relamping. Optional exit sign fits over explosion-proof light. 

Emergency lighting and exit signs are about saving lives. UDEC Corp. offers powerful and unique solutions and 40 years of experience of emergency lighting.