Champlain Towers South (CTS) Condominium Collapse in Surfside, FL INTERVIEW GUIDE COMPONET 1: CTS RESIDENTS

National Institute of Standards and Technology
National Construction Safety Team Investigative of the June 24, 2021
Champlain Towers South (CTS) Condominium Collapse in Surfside, FL
INTERVIEW GUIDE COMPONENT 1: CTS RESIDENTS
OMB Control #0693-0078
Expiration Date: 07/31/2025

A Federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, nor
shall a person be subject to a penalty for failure to comply with an information collection subject
to the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 unless the information collection
has a currently valid Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Control Number. The approved
OMB Control Number for this information collection is 0693-0078. Without this approval, we
could not conduct this information collection. Public reporting for this information collection is
estimated to be approximately 2.5 to 3 hours per response, including the time for reviewing
instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and
completing and reviewing the information collection. All responses to this information collection
are voluntary. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this
information collection, including suggestions for reducing this burden to Attn: Judith MitraniReiser, Team Lead for the NIST Champlain Towers South NCST Investigation, Engineering
Laboratory, National Institute of Standards and Technology, E-mail: [email protected] or Phone: 301-975-0684.
Do you have any questions for us? May we proceed with the interview?

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SECTION 1. INTERVIEWEE BACKGROUND AND SECTION ASSIGNMENT
We’d like to begin the interview with a few quick questions to understand your standpoint in this
event.
1.1.1. Were you a resident of the Champlain Towers South (CTS) building at the time of
the collapse?
If YES, continue.
If NO, skip to Question 1.1.6.
1.1.2. Please tell us more about your residency at the CTS building. Which unit did you
reside in? If you resided in more than one unit at the building, let’s start with the most
recent unit where you were [the interviewer fills in the table below one at a time].
Champlain
Towers South
Unit No

Residency Time
Period (MonthYear/MonthYear)

Ownership
Status

Residency
Status

Parking
Area/Space #

O: Owner
R: Renter
O: Other

F: Full Time
P: Part Time

[the interviewer
shows the
parking space
map]

1.1.3. Were you at the building on June 24, 2021, at the time of collapse?
1.1.4. Were you at the building on June 23, 2021, the day before the collapse?
Use the table below for assigning sections to the CTS Resident
Stakeholder Status
CTS Resident

Relevant Sections
2, 3, 4 (if present at CTS the
day before the collapse), 5
and 6 (if present at CTS at the
time of collapse), 7, 8, 9, and
10

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SECTION 2. CTS BUILDING CONDITION (PRE-COLLAPSE)
Thank you for providing this information. Now, we will move into a more in-depth conversation.
Please keep in mind that we are here mainly to listen to you. Feel free to tell us what happened,
without waiting for us to ask questions. We encourage all opinions, suggestions, theories, and
impressions. Please report everything, even if it seems irrelevant. We understand that it may be
difficult to remember some of the specifics we may ask you about, but we will be working
together to help you recall them. If you cannot remember specifics, that is fine too. You can let
us know that “you don’t recall” or “you are not sure.”
Let’s first talk about your perception of the CTS building’s condition as a resident/visitor prior to
the collapse. We have several drawings and photos that might help with our discussion. We
should note that some of our questions may seem technical or unusual, but they will help in
understanding the cause of the collapse.
2.1.1. Tell us what you remember about the condition of the CTS building.
2.1.2. Did your perspective of the building’s condition change over time from the time
you were there?
If YES, continue.
If NO, skip to Question 2.1.3.
2.1.2.1. Please tell us about what led to the changes in your perspective of the
building’s condition.
2.1.3. Did you have any concerns about the CTS building or an area of the CTS building
being unsafe while you were there?
If YES, continue.
If NO, skip to Question 2.1.4.
2.1.3.1. Please explain the concerns you have had in as much detail as possible.
2.1.3.2. What made you think this way?
2.1.4. Did you notice anything unusual about the pool deck, including the deck itself,
planters, and private patios? Some examples of observations that may be
considered unusual are cracks; sagging, and puddles on top of the pool deck;
discoloration; exposed steel reinforcement bars; peeling paint; new smells or sounds;
and areas that were or needed to be repaired.
If YES, continue.
If NO, skip to Question 2.1.5.
2.1.4.1. Please explain what you noticed in as much detail as possible (e.g., what,
when, and where).
2.1.4.2. Here is a visual of the pool deck [the interviewer shows the drawing and/or
photos, including those with the planter on the west of the pool deck] in case it is
helpful for your recollection. Can you mark the location of the issues you may
have noticed?
2.1.4.3. To your knowledge, how were these issues addressed?

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2.1.5. Are you aware of any changes that were made to the pool deck, including the
deck itself, planters, and private patios at the CTS?
If YES, continue.
If NO, skip to Question 2.1.6.
2.1.5.1. Please explain these changes in detail (e.g., what, when and where).
2.1.5.2. Here is a visual of the pool deck [the interviewer shows the drawing and/or
photos, including those with the planter on the west of the pool deck]. Can you
mark the location of the changes that were made to the pool deck?
2.1.6. Did you notice anything unusual about the underground parking garage, including
its floor, ceilings and columns? Some examples of observations that may be
considered unusual are cracks; sagging, puddles on the garage floor; discoloration;
leaks dripping onto cars or the floor; exposed reinforcing bars; peeling paint; hanging
or broken pipes; unusual smell or sounds; and areas that were or had to be repaired
or painted or other precautions taken (e.g., safety cones)?
If YES, continue.
If NO, skip to Question 2.1.7.
2.1.6.1. Please explain what you noticed in as much detail as possible (e.g., what,
when, and where).
2.1.6.2. Here is a visual of the underground parking garage [the interviewer shows
the drawing and/or the photos]. Can you mark the location of the issues you may
have noticed?
2.1.6.3. To your knowledge, how were these issues in the garage addressed?
2.1.7. Please tell us what you recall about the condition of the columns in the garage.
2.1.8. Do you recall any vehicle accidents involving the parts of the basement structure
such as garage columns or walls?
If YES, continue.
If NO, skip to Question 2.1.9.
2.1.8.1. Please share as many details as possible about these accidents (e.g., who,
when, and where).
2.1.8.2. Here is a visual of the underground parking garage [the interviewer shows
the drawing and/or the photos]. Can you mark the location of these accidents?
2.1.9. Do you recall noticing anything unusual in the public areas inside the first story of
the building, including the recreation room, exercise room, saunas, the lobby, and
the corridor? Some examples of things that are unusual are cracks; sagging,
puddles; discoloration; exposed rebars; peeling paint; hanging or broken pipes;
unusual smell or sounds; and areas that were or had to be repaired.
If YES, continue.
If NO, skip to Question 2.1.10.
2.1.9.1. Please explain what you noticed in as much detail as possible (e.g., what,
when, and where).

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2.1.9.2. Here is a visual of the first floor [the interviewer shows the drawing and/or
the photos]. Can you mark the location of the issues you may have noticed?
2.1.9.3. To your knowledge, how were these issues addressed?
2.1.10. Have you ever been to the roof of the building?
If YES, continue.
If NO, skip to Question 2.1.11.
2.1.10.1. Did you notice anything usual about the roof of the building? The examples
of things that are unusual are heavy equipment or materials placed on the roof or
water puddles.
If YES, continue.
If NO, skip to Question 2.1.11.
2.1.10.1.1. Please explain what you noticed in as much detail as possible (e.g.,
what, when, and where).
2.1.10.1.2. Here is a visual of the roof [the interviewer shows the drawing and/or
the photos]. Can you mark the location of the issues you may have noticed?
2.1.10.1.3. To your knowledge, how were these issues addressed?
2.1.11. While at CTS, did you notice any changes in the structure of the building?
Examples are loose concrete spalls or fragments, rust from exposed reinforcing
steel, and patches on concrete slabs, columns, or walls.
If YES, continue.
If NO, skip to Question 2.1.12.
2.1.11.1. Please explain what you noticed in as much detail as possible (e.g., what,
when, and where).
2.1.11.2. Here is a visual that might help [the interviewer shows the relevant visuals
here]. Let us mark where you noticed these changes.
2.1.12. Did you or others who lived or worked there experience any unusual swaying,
shaking, vibrations or sounds in the CTS building prior to the night of the collapse?
You might have experienced these while the former Howard Johnson Dezerland
Hotel was being demolished or while the neighboring 87 Park was being constructed
or during beach nourishment projects and/ or during a hurricane or a storm (e.g.,
Hurricane Andrew, Frances, Wilma, Katrina, Irma), for example.
If YES, continue.
If NO, skip to Question 2.1.13.
2.1.12.1. We would appreciate as much detail as possible about these experiences
(e.g., what you/they experienced, when you/they experienced them, including
how long you/they experienced them, where you/they experienced them, and
what was done about these issues).
2.1.12.2. Here is a visual to help us mark your experiences [the interviewer shows
the relevant visuals here].
2.1.13. Did you live in the building during the 40-year recertification process?

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If YES, continue.
If NO, skip to Question 2.1.14.
2.1.13.1. Please tell us about your experiences involving the 40-year recertification
process.
2.1.13.2. As part of the 40-year recertification process, what was shared with CTS
residents/staff about what needed to be done at the building?
2.1.13.3. Do you recall any discussions involving the structural safety of the building
as part of the 40-year recertification process?
If YES, continue.
If NO, skip to Question 2.1.14.
2.1.13.3.1. What concerns were raised with respect to the structural safety of the
building?
2.1.13.3.2. What was planned to address these concerns?
2.1.14. Did you attend any CTS Condo Board meetings as a resident of the building?
If YES, continue.
If NO, skip to Question 2.1.15.
2.1.14.1. How often did you attend the CTS condo board meetings?
2.1.14.2. Tell us what you remember about any discussions regarding the safety of
the building in CTS Condo Board meetings.
2.1.15. Did you notice anything unusual in any part of the building a few days or weeks
before the collapse? The examples of observations that may be considered unusual
are cracks; sagging; puddles; discoloration; leaks; exposed rebars; peeling paint;
hanging or broken pipes; doors or windows not operating smoothly or jamming;
unusual smell or sounds; and areas that were or had to be repaired.
If YES, continue.
If NO, skip to Question 2.1.16.
2.1.15.1. Please provide details about these issues (e.g., what, when, and where).
2.1.15.2. Please explain what was done about these issues.
2.1.15.3. Here is a visual that might help [the interviewer shows the relevant visuals
here]. Let us mark where you noticed these issues.
2.1.16. Based on what you know about the building’s condition, what do you think may
have contributed to the collapse of the Champlain Towers South?
2.1.16.1. Please explain what makes you think that.

SECTION 3. CTS UNIT CONDITION (PRE-COLLAPSE)
We also would like to ask you a few questions about the condition of ____ (units/your unit/Unit
No. ____) and what you might have seen or heard from others about other units.

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3.1.1. Did you notice anything unusual about the unit, including the floor, the ceilings, the
walls and columns, the doors or windows? Some examples of observations that may
be considered unusual are cracks; sagging, puddles; discoloration; leaks; exposed
rebars; peeling paint; hanging or broken pipes; doors or windows not operating
smoothly or jamming; unusual smell or sounds; and areas that were or had to be
repaired.
If YES, continue.
If NO, skip to Question 3.1.2.
3.1.1.1. Please explain what you noticed in as much detail as possible (e.g., what,
when, and where).
3.1.1.2. Here is a visual that might help [the interviewer shows the relevant visuals
here]. Let us mark where you noticed these issues.
3.1.1.3. Please explain what was done about these issues.
3.1.2. Please describe the problems you personally observed or heard about the other
units within CTS. Again, we would appreciate as much detail as possible (e.g., what,
when, and where).
3.1.2.1. Please explain if anything was done about these issues to the best of your
knowledge.
3.1.3. Did you or others notice anything unusual in their units a few days or weeks
before the collapse?
If YES, continue.
If NO, skip to the next section.
3.1.3.1. Please provide details about these issues (e.g., what, when, and where).
3.1.3.2. Please explain what was done about these issues to the best of your
knowledge.

SECTION 4. THE DAY BEFORE THE COLLAPSE (JUNE 23, 2021)
Now we will be asking you some questions about June 23, 2021, the day before the collapse.
4.1.1. Please walk us through what you did that day, starting from when you woke up (or
“arrived at the building” for CTS staff) but before you noticed that something was
wrong.
4.1.2. Just to confirm, you were at the CTS building on June 23, 2021_________ (e.g.,
from___ to ___ o’clock). Is that correct?
4.1.3. Did you notice anything unusual (e.g., sights, smells, motions, and sounds) about
the building prior to the early morning of June 24, 2021?
If YES, continue.
If NO, skip to Question 4.1.4.
4.1.3.1. Please explain what you noticed in as much detail as possible (e.g., what,
when, and where).

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4.1.3.2. Here is a visual that might help [the interviewer shows the relevant visuals
here]. Let us mark where you noticed these issues.
4.1.4. Please tell us if you were in the following sections of the building that day (June
23, 2021).
Building Area
Underground parking garage
Pool deck
Public areas on the first story of the building,
including the recreation room, exercise room,
saunas, the lobby, and the corridor
Roof
Collapsed section of the building

Answer (Y/N)
Y/N
Y/N
Y/N

Y/N
Y/N

If YES to any of the areas, continue.
If NO, skip to Question 4.1.5.
4.1.4.1. Please walk us through what you have seen at _________ (building area
visited) that day, with as much detail as possible.
4.1.4.2. Did you notice anything unusual (e.g., sights, smells, motions, and sounds)
at _________ (the building area visited) that day?
If YES, continue.
If NO, skip to Question 4.1.5.
4.1.4.2.1. Please explain what you noticed in as much detail as possible (e.g.,
what, when, and where).
4.1.4.2.2. Here is a visual that might help [the interviewer shows the relevant
visuals here]. Let us mark where you noticed these issues.
4.1.5. Did you drive in and out of the underground parking garage on June 23, 2021, the
day before the collapse?
If YES, continue.
If NO, skip to Question 4.1.6.
4.1.5.1. Please tell us where you parked that day (i.e., the parking spot #) to the best
of your knowledge.
4.1.5.2. How did you park your car that day (e.g., head-in or back in parking)?
4.1.5.3. Here is a visual of the underground parking garage [the interviewer shows
the map of the garage]. Please mark the path you took to park your car.
4.1.5.4. Let us also mark your walking path that day on this visual.
4.1.5.5. As you were walking through the garage, and entering the building, did you
notice anything unusual (e.g., sights, smells, motions, and sounds)?
If YES, continue.

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If NO, skip to Question 4.1.6.
4.1.5.6. Please explain what you noticed in as much detail as possible (e.g., what,
when, and where).
4.1.5.7. Can we also mark the location of the issues you noticed on this map [the
interviewer shows the relevant visual]?
4.1.6. Did you notice anything unusual (e.g., sights, smells, motions, and sounds) about
your unit or any other unit prior to the early morning of June 24, 2021?
If YES, continue.
If NO, skip to Question 4.1.7.
4.1.6.1. Please explain what you noticed in detail (e.g., what, when, and where).
4.1.6.2. Here is a visual that might help [the interviewer shows the relevant visuals
here]. Let us mark where you noticed these issues.
4.1.7. Is there anything else that stood out to you as different in the months, weeks, or
days leading up to the collapse?
If YES, continue.
If NO, skip to the next section.
4.1.7.1. Please explain what was different in as much detail as possible [the
interviewer shows the relevant visuals as necessary].

SECTION 5. THE DAY OF THE COLLAPSE (JUNE 24, 2021)
Now we would like you to think back to the night of the collapse and recall what happened that
night. We are here to listen to you. Since the focus of the investigation is to understand how the
building collapsed, we want you to share all the details you can think of with us, including sights,
smells, motions, and sounds, even if they seem irrelevant to you. While discussing the details,
we may be using post-it notes and visuals like maps, plans, and photos to better capture what
you experienced on June 24, 2021.
As we get into this section, feel free to take your time. We can pause if needed. The information
you provide is very important to help us understand what happened. May we proceed?
5.1.1. Let’s start with the moment when you first noticed that something was not right
that night. Take your time and describe your surroundings. It may be easier to do
that if you close your eyes [the interviewer should also close his/her eyes to
demonstrate]. Think about your initial thoughts of noticing that something was not
right…. [the interviewer pauses here and in other places that are indicated in the
script] Think about any later thoughts…. Think about how you felt…. Think about any
sounds you heard…Think about any odors you may have smelled…Think about
what you saw…. Take your time and don’t say anything yet. Just put yourself back
into that earlier experience…………………. [the interviewer takes an extended pause
here] ………. Now tell us, in as much detail as possible, everything you remember
about your initial experience of noticing that something was not right.

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5.1.1.1. Can you describe what you heard?
5.1.1.2. Can you describe what you saw?
5.1.1.3. Can you describe what you physically felt (e.g., vibrations, unsteadiness)?
5.1.1.4. Can you describe what you smelled?
5.1.2. Where were you in the building when you first noticed that something was not
right?
5.1.3. Here is a visual which might help us in our discussions. Can you please mark here
where you were when you first noticed that something was not right? [The
interviewer shows the relevant visuals here, such as the floor plan, and puts “1” in
the location where s/he first noticed that something was not right.]
5.1.4. What time was it approximately when you first noticed that something was not
right?
5.1.5. What did you think was happening at that moment?
5.1.5.1. What made you think that?
5.1.6. When you noticed that something was wrong, what did different areas of the
building (i.e., the floor you were on, the pool deck, the underground parking garage,
the collapsed section of the building) look like? Please explain in as much detail as
possible.
5.1.6.1. Did you notice anything unusual about these areas (e.g., cracks, sagging,
water, broken pipes, smell or sounds coming from these areas)?
If YES, continue.
If NO, skip to Question 5.1.7.
5.1.6.1.1. Please provide as much detail as possible about these (e.g., what,
when, and where).
5.1.6.1.2. Can you please mark the location of where you noticed these issues
here? [The interviewer shows the relevant visuals here and asks the
interviewee to add brief explanations on the visuals.]
5.1.7. What did you experience or notice about the building next? Again, the details are
extremely important here.
5.1.8. Can you please mark the location of where you noticed these issues here? [The
interviewer shows the relevant visuals here and continues to number (e.g., 2, 3) the
location of these experiences.]
5.1.9. Please describe to us in detail how different areas of the building (i.e., the floor
you were on, the pool deck, the underground parking garage, the collapsed section
of the building) looked like when you experienced or noticed this.
5.1.10. Did you notice anything unusual about these areas (e.g., movements, cracks,
sagging, water, broken pipes, smells or sounds coming from these areas)?
If YES, continue.
If NO, skip to Question 5.1.11.
5.1.10.1. Please provide as much detail as possible about these (e.g., what, when,
and where).

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5.1.10.2. Can you please mark the location of where you noticed these issues here?
[The interviewer shows the relevant visuals here and asks the interviewee to add
brief explanations on the visuals.]
5.1.11. How about after that? Please explain what you experienced or noticed about the
building in a chronological order until you evacuated to safety. Please explain in as
much detail as possible.
5.1.12. Can you please mark the location of where you noticed these issues here? [The
interviewer shows the relevant visuals here and continues to number (e.g., 2, 3) the
location of these experiences.]
5.1.13. Please describe to us in detail how different areas of the building (i.e., the floor
you were on, the pool deck, the underground parking garage, the collapsed section
of the building) looked like when you experienced or noticed this.
5.1.14. Did you notice anything unusual about these areas (e.g., movements, cracks,
sagging, water, broken pipes, smell or sounds coming from these areas)?
If YES, continue.
If NO, skip to Question 5.1.15.
5.1.14.1. Please provide as much detail as possible about these (e.g., what, when,
and where).
5.1.14.2. Can you please mark the location of where you noticed these issues here?
[The interviewer shows the relevant visuals here and asks the interviewee to add
brief explanations on the visuals.]
5.1.15. We would like to write down the key events you mentioned while explaining how
the collapse initiated and progressed on these post-it notes [or on Zoom’s
Whiteboard for virtual interviews] and then arrange them in a chronological order
[The interviewer helps the interviewee arrange the post-it notes to best capture
his/her collapse initiation and progression experiences.].
5.1.16. Can you please confirm that this is the correct order of your experiences that
night? [The interviewer takes a picture of the post-it notes once the interviewee
confirms.]
5.1.17. Did you see any of the following events as they were progressing that night?
Event
Collapse of the pool deck (not including the
parking area at the lobby level near the south
perimeter wall)
Damage to the parking level near the south
perimeter wall
Damage to the tower (e.g., sinking, cracks)
Collapse of the tower
Other (please specify) _________

Answer
Y/N

Y/N
Y/N
Y/N
Y/N

If YES to any of them, continue.

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If NO, skip to Question 5.1.18.
5.1.17.1. Please explain what you have seen in as much detail as possible (e.g., the
direction of movements, where you were at that time, what you were able to see,
and what time it was approximately).
5.1.17.2. Can you please mark the direction of movements here? [The interviewer
shows the relevant visuals here and asks the interviewee to mark the direction of
movements and add brief explanations of these movements on the visuals.]
5.1.18. Let’s go over the initiation and progression of the collapse one more time since
this is critical to our investigation. Which one of the following events do you think was
experienced in the building first? Can you help us number these events, with 1 being
the first event that was experienced and 4 being the last event experienced in terms
of sequence. If you think some events were simultaneous, we can give them the
same number. If you are not sure about the sequence of events, that is perfectly fine.
Just let us know. Let’s do this numbering together [The interviewer fills in the second
column].
Event

Collapse
Sequence
Order (1-4)

Personal Experience

Collapse of the pool deck (not
including the parking area at the
lobby level near the south perimeter
wall) (CP)
Damage to the parking level near
the south perimeter wall (DP)
Damage to the tower (e.g., cracks,
sinking of the building) (DT in short)
[ask only to the residents of the
collapsed section]
Collapse of the tower (CT in short)
Other (please specify) _________
5.1.19. Can you please tell us more about the basis for marking of this sequence?
5.1.20. Now let’s revisit what you think you experienced at the time of each event (e.g.,
sinking, swaying) [The interviewer fills in the third column].
The interviewer adds the event abbreviations (e.g., CP, DP, DT, CT) to the visual prepared
earlier based on the experiences of the interviewee.
5.1.21. We also would like to ask you what you recall from your conversations with
others about what they might have experienced at the time of each event (e.g.,
sinking, swaying).
Ask Questions 5.1.22-5.1.23 only if the person was in the collapsed section of the
building during the collapse.

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We also would like to ask you a few specific questions about what you observed in the
collapsed section of the building that night.
5.1.22. Please tell us if you observed any of the following in the collapsed section of the
building prior to the damage observed in the pool deck area.
Type of Observation
Visual damage (e.g., crack, sagging, broken
pipes)
Movement (e.g., sinking feeling, horizontal or
vertical movement, movement towards East,
West, North or South, clockwise or
counterclockwise movement, vibrations,
shaking)
Unusual sounds
Unusual smell

Answer
Y/N
Y/N

Y/N
Y/N

If YES to any of them, continue.
If NO, skip to Question 5.1.23.
5.1.22.1. Please explain the conditions you observed in as much detail as possible
(e.g., what, when---the exact timing or approximately how long before the
condition was observed in the pool deck area—, and where).
5.1.22.2. Can you please mark the location of these conditions here? [The
interviewer shows the relevant visuals here and asks the interviewee to add brief
explanations on the visuals.]
5.1.23. What else did you experience the night of the collapse that we haven't yet
covered? Please feel free to share.
Thank you so much for sharing your story. We really appreciate your detailed accounts of this
emotional event.

SECTION 6. EVACUATION EXPERIENCE
Our next discussion will focus on how you evacuated the building. Again, the details are
important here so we can make specific recommendations to facilitate the evacuation process.
We understand that it may be difficult to remember specifics. Feel free to take your time and tell
us if you are not sure of something. That is perfectly fine. For instance, you can say I THINK I
heard an alarm while taking the stairs, but I'm not sure.
6.1.1. Please tell us about the time when you first realized that the tower part of the
building was collapsing or that it had collapsed already, in as much detail as
possible.
6.1.2. What made you think that the building was collapsing?
6.1.3. When did you decide it was time to leave your unit or the building?

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6.1.3.1. What made you decide that (e.g., visual damage, shaking, someone warning
you to evacuate, the alarm)?
6.1.4. Please tell us about how you evacuated the building in as much detail as possible.
(e.g., when, with whom, the route taken).
6.1.5. What affected your decision to take that route?
6.1.6. What affected your decision to take those emergency exits?
6.1.7. What affected your decision to take (or not to take) the elevator?
6.1.8. What affected your decision to take (or not to take) cover?
6.1.9. Let us mark the route of your evacuation here [The interviewer shows the relevant
visuals as the discussion proceeds and asks the interviewee to add explanatory
notes on the visuals as necessary.]
6.1.10. First, let’s indicate your location when you first noticed that something was
wrong. We numbered this location as “1” on one of our earlier maps. Then let’s put
“DE” in the location where you first decided to evacuate.
6.1.11. Now, let’s put the following on the visuals: the emergency exit you took [the
interviewee marks it as XT], the emergency exits you have considered but not took
[the interviewee marks it as XC], the place where you might have taken cover [the
interviewee marks it as TC], and the place where you exited the building [the
interviewee marks it as XB].
6.1.12. Was there anything that you think hindered your evacuation process (e.g.,
debris, lighting, locked doors, building design, potential hazards encountered such as
smoke, fire, water)? Here we would like you to think about both your self-evacuation
and/or rescue by first responders.
If YES, continue.
If NO, skip to Question 6.1.13.
6.1.12.1. Please tell us what you think hindered your evacuation process.
6.1.13. Was there anything that you think facilitated your evacuation process (e.g.,
sound of the alarm; communication with neighbors, relatives, friends, and staff;
formal communication with authorities; earlier drills; evacuation plan; first
responders)? Again, we would like you to think about both your self-evacuation
and/or rescue by first responders.
If YES, continue.
If NO, skip to Question 6.1.14.
6.1.13.1. Please tell us what you think facilitated your evacuation process.
6.1.14. Approximately how long did it take for you to evacuate the building on your own
that night?
6.1.15. Approximately how long did it take for you to be rescued by first responders that
night?
6.1.16. What were your experiences with the alarm system that night? Please share as
many details as possible (e.g., what, when, and where).
6.1.17. Please tell us about the moment when you first started to feel “safe”.

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6.1.18. Now, let’s add the location of when you first started to feel “safe” on our visuals
[the interviewee shows the relevant visual and marks it as FS].
6.1.19. Approximately how long after the CTS building’s collapse did you feel this way?
6.1.20. What helped you feel safe that night (e.g., being away from the collapse site,
presence of first responders, neighbors, relatives and friends?

SECTION 7. STAKEHOLDER FEEDBACK ON BUILDING EVACUATION, SEARCH AND
RESCUE
Now we will be asking questions about your perspectives on evacuation, search and rescue
efforts after the collapse of the CTS building.
7.1.1. Please share with us your perspective on evacuation of CTS residents and visitors
that night.
7.1.1.1. What aspects of evacuation efforts went well?
7.1.1.2. What were the challenges CTS residents and visitors had while evacuating
on their own?
7.1.1.2.1. To your knowledge, how did CTS residents and visitors manage these
challenges?
7.1.1.3. What were the challenges CTS residents and visitors had while evacuation
efforts by first responders were underway?
7.1.1.3.1. To your knowledge, how did CTS residents and visitors manage these
challenges?
7.1.1.4. What would be your recommendations to enhance evacuation efforts like the
one you experienced/witnessed in the CTS building?
7.1.2. Please share your perspectives with us on the CTS search and rescue efforts.
7.1.2.1. What aspects of search and rescue efforts went well?
7.1.2.2. What were the challenges faced while search and rescue efforts were
underway?
7.1.2.3. How were these challenges dealt with?
7.1.3. Did you have a chance to observe or interact with international search and rescue
teams that were deployed to the site?
If YES, continue.
If NO, skip to Question 7.1.4.
7.1.3.1. Please share your observations on these search and rescue teams.
7.1.4. What might be helpful about responding to events of this nature in the future?
Thank you so much for sharing your story. We really appreciate your detailed accounts of this
emotional event.

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SECTION 8. INFORMATION SHARING AND SEEKING ON THE COLLAPSE
Now we would like to have a conversation about the information you have received and shared
after the collapse of CTS.
8.1.1. In the initial few hours after the collapse, as you were trying to make sense of
unfolding events, what information did you receive about what was happening?
8.1.1.1. When was this information shared with you?
8.1.1.2. Who shared this information with you?
8.1.1.3. How was this information shared with you (e.g., via phone, text, phone call or
a press conference)?
8.1.2. What aspects of the information you received in the first few hours after the
collapse were helpful?
8.1.3. What aspects of the information you received in the first few hours after the
collapse were confusing?
8.1.4. How did you deal with the information that was confusing in the first few hours
after the collapse?
8.1.4.1. Did you seek information from additional sources during this time?
If YES, continue.
If NO, skip to Question 8.1.5.
8.1.4.1.1. What type of information did you seek during this time?
8.1.4.1.2. Who did you seek information from (e.g., social media, news reporters,
CTS residents, government officials)?
8.1.5. Did you share any information (e.g., videos, photos) with first responders or others
on the day of the collapse?
If YES, Continue.
If NO, Skip to the next section.
8.1.5.1. What was that information?
8.1.5.2. Would it be possible for us to have a copy of this information?
8.1.6. From your perspective, what lesson(s) from this experience can you share
regarding how you received or transmitted information during the initial few hours of
a building collapse?

SECTION 9. STAKEHOLDER FEEDBACK ON THE GOVERNMENT’S RESPONSE TO THE
COLLAPSE
We now would like to hear from you on the government’s role in responding to and preventing
calamities like the collapse of the CTS building.
9.1.1. We would love to hear your perspectives on the government’s response to the
collapse of the CTS building.

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9.1.1.1. What aspects of the government’s response to the collapse of the CTS
building worked well?
9.1.1.2. What were the main challenges ___________ [the interviewer mentions the
relevant stakeholder group here] faced during the response to the collapse of the
CTS building?
9.1.1.3. How did ___________ [the interviewer mentions the relevant stakeholder
group here] deal with these challenges?
9.1.1.4. What might be helpful in terms of addressing the challenges faced during
response to a building failure of a similar nature?
Depending on the interviewee’s background, ask about different aspects of response
such as evacuation, search and rescue.
9.1.2. What are your recommendations for federal, state and local governments on how
to respond to events of this nature in the future?
9.1.3. In your opinion, how can the government (at federal, state and local levels) help
prevent future calamities such as the one witnessed in Surfside?
We would love to have your feedback on NIST as well.
9.1.4. Is there anything else that you think we should study further? Or any other
questions we should be focusing on?
9.1.5. How could NIST’s engineers and other technical experts help______ [the
interviewer uses the relevant stakeholder group here]?
9.1.5.1. What kind of information from NIST might be helpful for ______ [the
interviewer uses the relevant stakeholder group here]?

9.1.5.2. How do you think NIST should share information with______ [the
interviewer uses the relevant stakeholder group here]?
SECTION 10. WRAP UP & FUTURE STEPS
10.1.1. Is there anything we have not yet discussed but is important for us to know
about?
10.1.2. We welcome submissions of data including photos, video and other
documentation associated with collapse of CTS. Do you have any additional photos,
videos, or other information (e.g., field notes) that you would like to share with us?
10.1.3. Do you have ___________about the following [the interviewer may ask about
specific materials]?
If YES, continue.
If NO, wrap up the interview.
10.1.3.1. Would you be able to share these with us? Y/N
Those are all the questions we have. The valuable information you provided will help our
engineers and scientists improve building safety. Thank you so much for taking the time to talk
with us.

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After the formal interview ends, you may remember new details or notice new things about the
issues we discussed today. Please feel free to reach out back to us to share that information.
We are eager to continue this conversation with you.

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