I like to sit in the middle of the theatre. If people start running, they won't be running toward the center. I think.

Isn't it funny that the people who think you/we're paranoid tend to be the same people who cause the panic problems? Is this some weird coincidence, or just an evil plot? <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Sue

I believe it always a good Idea to be alert to your surroundings

Just be aware that in a panic or even just a big hurry, people will not hesitate to go *over* the seats, not just down the isles. I remember seeing a video of an FAA airliner evacuation test and the presumably untrained, uncoached volunteers were hopping over seats faster than the people moving up the center isle.

I often request overwing exit row seating when I fly. That way I don't have to trust someone else to figure it out and I can be in a position to be actually helpful.

I don't mean this in a negative way, but...Asking on this forum if being prepared is the same as being paranoid, would be like going drag racing and asking your fellow racers if your engine is too big <img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> At one time or another, most of my friends have made fun of me and my EDC. Yet when we are out and about and they need a knife, flash lite, etc, guess who they ask first <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

In Brit Speak: The more understated we get, the closer to TEOTWAWKI we are getting.
And "pear shaped" is for polite company.... <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

I face the same thing constantly: "Hey can I see your knife, I know you always carry one." (said sarcastically) The PHRASECENSOREDPOSTERSHOULDKNOWBETTER. make fun of the sheepdog until they really need him. I get statements that are similar to "If TEOTWAWKI happens, I want to be with you." Unfortunately, it is highly unlikely any of them will find me if that was to occur.

Personaly, i like to sit at the back of the room with my back to a wall so i can see all exits. Don't try to be the first person out the room because those people get stomped.

That depends on "How big a boy are ya?" as Roy D. Mercer says. LOL

Also I guess how fast you are. How tall you are (see what goes on in the room, if possible). How many people are in there to begin with can be a factor too.

Plus you don't want something breaking out between you and the exits that traps you in the room/bldg.

No your not paranoid or hyper-vigilant.
Because most emergencies or survival situations are low probability events most people mentally block them out of their mind.
The error is while a low probability event it's not a ZERO probability event. Where the rubber meets the road, if it happens and you have no plan,equipment or more important abilities then Charles Darwin has the answer to the question.
There are a lot of people who don't make it, those who do somehow manage to survive emerge with an interest in preparation,planning, skills and equipment.
For a few with vision (and fewer than most admit) we get on board BEFORE a life changing event.
The difference between discomfort and mortal danger is the ability to look ahead and see what MIGHT happen, not only what is likely to happen.

I haven't thought through the movie theater. Too cheap to go to many movies!!!

I do sit in the back of resturants and plan how to protect my family in the event of a Luby's situtation or the more recent Ruby Tuesday incident in Huntsville where a man went shooting after another said "hello" to his gf.

Thank goodness for CCW laws.