Abstract

High-rise residential building (HRRB) evacuations present a complex challenge that demands coordinated action from multiple stakeholders. Firefighters, control room operators (CROs), building safety managers (BSMs), and occupants each play distinct yet interdependent roles in ensuring safe and effective evacuations. However, existing literature often isolates these groups, examining their behaviors and responsibilities in silos in terms of either occupant preparedness or firefighters’ practices. Using a robust mixed-methods approach, the study combines quantitative survey data with qualitative interview insights to contrast self-reported awareness of those stakeholder groups with demonstrated knowledge and answer: How do perceptions, awareness, and prioritization of evacuation strategies and support mechanisms differ across firefighters, CROs, BSMs, and occupants? What intra-group differences exist among operational stakeholders, specifically firefighters and CROs, in terms of training preferences, technological readiness, and communication capabilities? These findings will contribute to bridging the gap between stakeholder silos, offering evidence-based recommendations for training, technology, practical implications and policy, enhancing HRRB real-world evacuation strategies, stakeholder accountability, and inclusive preparedness.