I-Codes: Scan for Changes
When I went to the 2024 IBC to look for the section that requires egress doors to be readily distinguishable, I noticed something new...check it out in today's post!
The new code books are here!
In the past, some of my colleagues have compared me to Navin Johnson, Steve Martin's character in The Jerk. I will admit, Navin's excitement over the arrival of the new phone book does share some similarities to my reaction to the publication of the new codes.
Campus Safety Update on Barricade Devices
A report on the tragic 2021 mass shooting at Oxford High School has been released, and an update in Campus Safety Magazine discusses the use of barricade devices during the incident, while also explaining the challenges and unknown effects of the devices.
From the NYT: “Pulse Massacre Victims File Police Complaints Saying Exits Were Blocked”
Although more than 7 years have passed since the tragic shooting at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Florida, questions remain about the “design, unpermitted renovations, and code enforcement” there.
IFSJ: Women in Fire Sciences and Fire Safety Engineering
On International Women's Day 2023, I am so honored and grateful to be included in an article published in International Fire and Safety Journal (IFSJ), highlighting seven women working in the fire sciences and fire safety engineering fields.
20 Years Ago: Station Nightclub Fire
Last week I visited an art and music space housed in an old cooking oil factory in Havana, Cuba. There were spaces that I would not enter, knowing what I know about nightclub fires. Today is the 20th anniversary of one of those fires - at the Station Nightclub.
WCVB: Fire Prompts Evacuations at Hospital
Yesterday morning, a 10-alarm fire occurred at Brockton Hospital, a 216-bed health care facility in Massachusetts. The fire reportedly began in the main transformer room of the hospital, and approximately 160 patients were evacuated. More in today's post...
WW: ABC15 on Stadium Fire Code Violations
Although the number of violations found in the host stadium for Super Bowl LVII is a bit disconcerting, it's reassuring to know that code compliance is being taken seriously in order to help ensure life safety for occupants of the facility.
News 12: “It’s a matter of public safety.”
In the year since 17 people lost their lives in a fire in the Bronx, NYC has taken steps to increase awareness of fire door safety and the importance of self-closing doors. A recent investigative report from News 12 shares more information about the current situation...
I-Team: “Are North Texas schools going ‘above and beyond’ to secure doors?”
Over the summer, Texas schools were required to complete a list of training, assessments, and inspections, including an Exterior Door Safety Audit. Could similar assessments become standard practice for other states?
Today Show: “An exclusive look at new security measures to keep schools safe”
Yesterday, the Today Show on NBC ran a story about how school districts are addressing security - including the role of the doors and locks. With mainstream media covering physical security, this important information will reach millions of people.
WWYD? Security vs. Convenience
Many school security experts advise schools to keep classroom doors locked at all times, but is that feasible? How do we overcome the challenge of security vs. convenience? WWYD?
Bronx Fire Model
When a good teaching tool comes along, I get really excited. Especially when the resource is shared in the mainstream media, so it's readily available to people outside of the door and hardware industry. Please share this widely.
NBC News Reports on Uvalde School’s Classroom Security
NBC News: “The moment she heard the first pops of gunfire, the teacher knew what she had to do: She needed to make sure that her classroom door was locked."
Update: Michigan HB5701
I recently wrote about a bill in Michigan's state legislature that would expand the use of classroom barricade devices in the state. That bill has been signed into law, allowing barricade devices to be used on doors serving assembly spaces.
In wake of Bronx fire, NYC mayor signs executive order
Last week, NYC Mayor Eric Adams signed an executive order that strengthens fire safety enforcement and outreach in the city. In addition, proposed city council legislation was filed that would increase penalties for non-compliant doors.
News 4: Over 100 building violations found after fire
With the number of apartments in a metropolis like New York City, and the prevalence of fires in multifamily buildings, how are code officials ever going to get a handle on the non-code-compliant conditions?
Documentary – America’s Deadliest Rock Concert: The Guest List
NIST - National Institute of Standards and Technology investigated the Station Nightclub Fire and published a list of 10 recommendations based on their findings. Recommendation 5 was related to egress...
Robert J. Jutzi, DAHC/FDHI
Today I would like to take a moment to acknowledge the passing of one of my very favorite people in the door and hardware industry, Bob Jutzi. Jutzi passed away on February 15, 2022, at the age of 76, surrounded by his loved ones and his dog Lula.
Bronx Apartment Fire Update
There are still details that have not been released regarding the January 9th fire in a Bronx apartment building. Why didn't the apartment door and the stairwell door close and help prevent the smoke from spreading?
Bronx Fire: Yes, this is a teachable moment.
When it comes to fire doors, we should not rely only on the mantra, “Close the Door, Close the Door, Close the Door.” Every fire door assembly should be inspected annually – as required by current codes – and deficiencies repaired without delay.
Bronx Fire: More Details Released
The investigation continues into last Sunday's fire in a Bronx apartment building, and the cause of the fire has been identified as a space heater. This post includes some of the latest information regarding the effects of open doors during the fire.
Residents in a panic do not close doors. Door closers close doors.
Yesterday I received dozens of emails and messages about the Bronx apartment fire that caused at least 17 fatalities. As with past fires, the NYFD Commissioner highlighted the open apartment door during his press conference.
Six Flags Haunted Castle Disaster (video)
While doing some research about special amusements and the applicable code requirements, I was reminded that the 37th anniversary of a special amusements tragedy recently passed; 8 teenagers lost their lives in this fire.
WW: Flaming Lips & Space Bubbles
I'd love to know what the fire marshal in Oklahoma City had to say about the plan for this concert! There were 100 space bubbles - each holding 1-3 people. Egress concerns, anyone? #wordless
Choosing Doors for Safer Classrooms and School Facilities
I have written dozens of articles and blog posts on school safety and security, but it's extra-exciting when someone else writes about this topic and is in alignment with the safety requirements mandated by the model codes.
Queens Fire Follow-Up (video)
Last week I wrote about a fire in a Queens apartment building, where an open door allowed a fire to spread. FDNY shared a video that shows some of the interior of the building after the fire that left more than 200 people homeless.
How many more will it take?
I like to think that I'm pretty even-tempered...I don't get mad very often (and when I do - RUN). But every time I see an apartment fire where the door was left open as the apartment residents escaped, I feel even more frustrated and angry.
Remembering the Station Nightclub Fire
Eighteen years ago this week, I sat stunned as I watched the news reports on the fire that had occurred the night before in the nearby city of West Warwick, Rhode Island. 100 fatalities, more than 200 injured...
Does your garage have a fire door?
If you have a garage attached to your home, it is very likely that the swinging door between the garage and the house is required by code to be a 20-minute fire door assembly or the equivalent. Here's why...
Door Closers are Life Savers
Blaming fire victims for leaving the door open as they escape is not the answer. And why wait for a tragedy to occur before enacting laws that require existing apartment doors to be self-closing?
Counterfeit UL Labels
Fire door assemblies with counterfeit labels - am I the only one who finds this an extremely disturbing idea? Who knows how these doors will perform if there is a fire???
WW: NYC Officers Break Up Indoor Wedding
One silver lining to the pandemic may be the increased focus on gatherings that in many cases include too many people - not only for social distancing but for egress and life safety.
Ecosystem of Safety
NFPA Journal: Safety is created by an ecosystem made up of codes, skilled workers, regular enforcement, and public understanding.
Tech Trends: The Door Hardware Dilemma
Brian Coulombe: "Door hardware is a tough subject: limitless part numbers, an evolving technology landscape, and a library of jargon unto itself..."
Hazard Planning? NFPA Can Help
I find information and a solid plan helpful to me in uncertain times, and I hope that NFPA's guidance is useful to you. Stay safe!
QQ: Antimicrobial Coating
Today's Quick Question: Can door hardware with an antimicrobial coating prevent the spread of COVID-19 or other viruses?
WCID2HU? (What can I do to help you?)
I don't know about you, but I've had a little trouble staying focused in recent days. I'd love to come up with some ways to use this time wisely. Any ideas?
21 News Investigates: School Barricades
Remember when Ohio's state codes were changed in order to allow classroom barricade devices? Almost 5 years later, questions are being raised about safety.
School Security in the News
Some new resources on school safety and security are available, including documents from BHMA and NASFM, a story from NPR, and two federal websites.
WW: OSHA Fines for Blocked Emergency Exits
OSHA requires emergency exits to be kept clear, to allow workers to exit quickly in an emergency. Failure to comply can result in seriously large fines. #wordless
FDNY Commission Daniel Nigro on Up Close
Yesterday, FDNY Commissioner Daniel Nigro spoke with Bill Ritter on the show Up Close about recent fires that occurred in NYC, where open doors had a negative impact on safety.
Two Kitchen Fires
Fire, panic, and other emergencies can strike anywhere, any time. To offer the highest level of protection, buildings must be code-compliant everywhere, all the time.
The Story Behind Schlage (video)
We're kicking off Schlage's 100th anniversary with a new video that provides a fascinating look (really!) into the history of Walter Schlage and the Schlage Lock Company - check it out!
Washington Post: School shootings are extraordinarily rare.
The statistical likelihood of a public school student being killed in a school shooting on any given day since 1999 was 1 in 614,000,000. Read more in the Washington Post...
WW: Temporary Locking Devices
Do you see what I see? THIS is why temporary locking devices should not be approved for doors serving a means of egress. They often become permanent locking devices!
UNCC ‘One-Button’ Lockdown
When a shooting occurred at the University of North Carolina Charlotte last week, an electronic locking system was already in place that allowed the campus to be locked down in seconds.
ABC15: Hundreds of padlocks installed on prison cell doors
I'd love to hear your thoughts on this news story from ABC 15 in Arizona, about the fire and safety concerns associated with installing padlocks on prison cell doors.
Kitsap Sun: Lawsuit alleges Bremerton teacher confined alone in classroom with violent student
It's only a matter of time before we see the unintended consequences of non-code-compliant, untested, unregulated security devices.
School Security and Safety in the News
Twenty years ago, I had no idea how the shooting at Columbine High School would affect our industry and my career. It was impossible to imagine that it was more than an isolated event. But here we are.