The frequent collapse of stairways makes escape particularly difficult, since many buildings have only one stairway (79). Furthermore, heavy furniture, appliances, bookshelves, equipment, and objects placed high can fall and cause injury unless secured (49). Although recent research indicates that nonstructural elements such as ceiling tiles and building contents such as office equipment and household furnishings have a low likelihood of causing fatal injuries, such elements are responsible for numerous minor and moderate injuries that can tax emergency health services (80).