Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the School Safety topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
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 door is chocked open, now that smoke condition is in the hallway," Green said, describing the evacuation and smoke‑spread risk. He added that magnetic hold‑open devices that release on fire alarm or panic alarm are a safer alternative but would be a significant expense for the district.
Nut graf: Green recommended the district consider phased upgrades to door hold‑open devices tied to alarm systems, while acknowledging budgetary constraints and the need to coordinate with facilities and local authorities.
Green said he inspects the district regularly and that most findings are minor, but he said he records chocks in inspection reports because they create safety and lockdown vulnerabilities. "I have to write it up that there's chocks in the doors," he said. He noted some districts have installed magnetically controlled hold‑open hardware that integrates with fire alarms and panic systems; others keep doors closed because the hardware is costly.
A board member asked for clarification about what a "chock" is; Green explained it is typically a wooden wedge placed under the door so it cannot close. Board members and staff did not take any immediate action or vote; the board received the inspection briefing for information.
Ending: Green said he has inspected the district for more than 30 years and praised cooperation from principals and custodial staff; he recommended the board and administration factor safety, ventilation and cost when deciding whether to pursue magnetically controlled hold‑open devices.
