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Retired Nassau County fire marshal warns Sewanhaka board about classroom door "chocks," urges consideration of magnetic hold‑open devices
Summary
A long‑time Nassau County fire marshal told the Sewanhaka board that wooden chocks used to hold classroom doors open (permissible during COVID for ventilation) are a safety concern and recommended exploring magnetic hold‑open devices tied to alarms; he noted cost implications and said he must report chocks in inspection findings.
Tim Green, a retired Nassau County fire marshal who inspects Sewanhaka Central High School District buildings, told the Board of Education on Jan. 28 that the practice of wedging classroom doors open with wooden chocks — used widely during COVID‑era ventilation guidance — is a continuing fire and lockdown safety concern and should be addressed.
Green said the State Education Department allowed districts to prop doors open during the COVID period for ventilation, but that leniency has ended. "If that…
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