Did They Check Under the Mat?
Eric Richardson
[Flickr]
DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES — The fire alarm at 634 S. Spring has caused LAFD to have to respond three or four times in the last few weeks. Each time it's been a false alarm.
Today, though, the fire department showed up and no one was there. Turns out there's a plan for that, which I guess makes sense. They pulled out a ladder, stuck it up against the building and climbed up to a little plastic box secure metal box mounted 25 feet or so up. The firefighter tossed down a key and they opened up the door.
On first blush you'd think storing a key on the outside of the building wouldn't be very secure, but I guess who else carries around that tall of a ladder besides LAFD?
Spot on February 04, 2007, at 08:41PM – #1
The "little plastic box" you refer to is not plastic. It is called a Knox Box, and is a keyed metal box. It is specifically for Fire Dept. access, and only they have the key.
Kenarch on February 05, 2007, at 12:09AM – #2
Yes, Spot is correct. On every project I design (except residential, unless there are gates involved) the Fire Department requires a Knox Box secured key holder on the building and /or gates, and the FD reviews the plans to ensure the box is properly secured, accessible and located exactly where they want it.
The Knox Company has a pretty sweet deal going there!
Jane on February 05, 2007, at 07:18PM – #3
Wow you'd think there would be a more technological advance approached to locked doors but thats cool.