We have a few suggestions when viewing a demolition:
- Find a news source that is local to the demolition. You want to be able to learn about the time of the demolition, road closures and
viewing areas - any of which may change several times before the detonation.
- Arrive early - demolitions are usually popular and can become very crowded.
- Bring a map - the streets surrounding the demolition are usually closed and it's common practice to close nearby freeway ramps.
- Don't be surprised if your view is obstructed. We have been to several where the only view of the demolition was from several blocks away
and looking down a side street. You might consider exploring the area before the demolition and look for locations with a good view. Keep in
mind that being close may not give you the best view. Standing several blocks away on the top floor of a parking structure can be a much better
view than being close and looking down an alley.
- A demolition is not the place for babies or small children! Please use your common sense.
- At the same time, please leave your pet at home! The crowds can be confusing and the blasts can be quite loud.
- Keep a safe distance. I know that should go without saying, but there are always people who try to get as close as possible. Instead of
being stupid, getting caught and having a chance to meet the local police, stay safe by keeping your distance. Many times, the best view of a
demolition is on television.
- Be prepared for last-minute changes. You need to be patient - it's not uncommon for a demolition to be delayed or cancelled.
- Depending on conditions and how close you intend to be, you might think about bringing ear plugs and a dust-type mask (maybe even some
kind of eye protection). When we attended the demolition of the Hudson building in
Detroit,
the implosion created a lot of dust and even though we were a couple of blocks away, a light breeze blew the dust in our direction. For several
minutes, it was hard to breath and we weren't able to see until the dust cleared.
- Dust can be a serious issue. A study by John Hopkins Schools of Public Health Sciences has found that the dust from demolitions can be a
health hazard. One thing they found is that immediately following a demolition, outdoor street-level particle concentrations could be two to ten
times higher than the outdoor air standard set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The dust may contain things like toxic metals,
fungal spoors - or who knows what. If you want to view the demolition in person, remember to pick a viewing place where the dust will blow away
from you (where the demolition is downwind from you) and the further away you are from the demolition, the better.
- While explosive demolition has a good safety record, accidents have occurred. One example is the demolition of the Royal Canberra
Hospital (Australia, 1997) where a young girl was killed and nine spectators were injured by flying debris. So once again, stay safe by keeping
your distance - the more, the better. Although I'm sure you don't want to hear it, staying at home and watching it on TV is certainly the best
choice.
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