Panic Spreads Faster Than the Danger Itself

In a crowded room, a stadium, or a burning building, the actual threat rarely kills as many people as the crush of others trying to escape it does. One person running or screaming can trigger a chain reaction long before the real danger has reached anyone at all.

Being the calm person in the room is not passive — it is one of the most useful things you can do. Move with purpose instead of running blindly, speak in a low steady voice if others look to you, and head toward a known exit rather than simply following the loudest crowd.