SECURITY SYSTEM PRESENTS EGRESS AND ENTRY CHALLENGES
BY RAYMOND OROZCO
A security system for doors and windows installed by builders in newly constructed buildings and by rehabbers in older structures in the Chicago area has presented some significant challenges for firefighters, among them egress in an emergency and forcible entry. The system, known as VPS (Vacant Property Security) in this area, first appeared on Chicago`s West Side about eight months ago. It greatly reduces theft of building materials, and workers can lock themselves in the building, providing a safer work environment.
The system is also being used by local community groups to secure problem vacant buildings and by drug dealers to keep the police at bay. In some instances, the system has been found on lower floors of occupied apartment buildings. This system, or comparable systems, may be in use in other areas of the country (photos 1, 2).
It is likely that a fire in a building equipped with such systems will burn longer before being detected, which will further weaken the structure prior to the fire department`s arrival. That fact, coupled with the added time needed to gain entry, will increase the risk for firefighters on the fireground. It is crucial that we plan a quick means of escape for our personnel should an emergency arise. The use of ground ladders is critical and could play a major role if a quick exit is needed.
SYSTEM CHARACTERISTICS
The system is made of steel and polycarbonates (heavy plastic) and looks like gray metal coverings on windows and doors.
Doors
Basically, two types of steel doors are used with the system. The typical front door is easily identified by the keypad and a turn handle used as an unlocking mechanism (photo 3). The keypad is useless to firefighters at a fire.
The rear doors are flush and contain only one or two company logos (photo 4).
The door frames are installed first and are then expanded into the existing openings. Telescopic steel bars are fitted up against the interior walls near the top and bottom door openings (photo 5). Steel cables are then attached to the frame bars and doorframe. The cables are pulled tight to secure the frame to the building.
The door is then hung onto three female hinges that are part of the frame. The hinge pins cannot be removed because they serve as one unit when mounted to the door.
Doorframes are equipped with steel rollers that fit into a continuous locking channel housed in the reinforcing edge of the door. When the locking mechanism is activated, a steel sleeve slides down over the steel rollers, further securing the door to the frame (photo 6).
Additional Characteristics
Doors come in standard widths of 2712 inches to 40 inches; as noted, they can be expanded with steel channels for larger openings. The minimum height of the door is 77 inches; the height also can be expanded vertically to fit any opening. The leading edge of the door is reinforced with steel. The door`s top edge is protected with an antilever feature to discourage vandals` prying the door. A continuous locking channel housed in the reinforcing edge of the door attaches to the frame when the door is closed. The frame is fitted into the existing opening with an expanding continuous threshold. Top legs are expanded to contact the top of the door opening (photo 3) and then are covered with steel.
The rear door (photo 4) has the same frame construction and fixing methods as the front door. Locking and unlocking are accomplished by means of two internal shot bolts (photo 8), which can be additionally secured with drop-in safety pins. These bolts can be difficult to locate in a smoke-filled room and could be difficult to operate if exposed to severe heat. One bolt is near the bottom of the door; the other is near the top. The rear doors also contain the continuous locking channel housed on the edge of the door.
Windows
The windows are covered with screens constructed of galvanized steel or polycarbonate (heavy plastic) (photo 7). The polycarbonate screen coverings are easily identified by the 2-inch 2 2-inch squares. The steel screen coverings have much smaller round holes. A sheet system may be used to cover large and irregularly shaped openings.
Window coverings are attached to the building by two means. Telescopic steel bars are fitted up against the interior walls near the top and bottom of the window opening; steel cables are then attached to the window coverings (usually four locations per screen), mounted to the interior bars, and then pulled tight against the outside walls (photo 12).
GAINING ENTRY
Doors
You can gain entry to the front door (keypad-equipped) two ways. Simply cut a large rectangular opening in the door itself with a saw equipped with the metal cutting blade. Or, cut the three hinges with the saw and then use a Chicago or halligan bar to separate the hinge side of the door from the frame. Now force the door open, making the lock side of the door the hinge side. The second option is quicker and will not use up as much blade as the first one. The saw will be needed inside to remove the window coverings.
The two logos (one on the top and one near the bottom) on the flush rear doors will indicate where to cut to gain access to the locking mechanism (photo 8). Make two vertical cuts with the saw to the right of the logos; this will cut the shot bolts where they are secured into the frame.
If the rear door has only one logo, located on the left side about one-third of the way down from the top, cut a hole in the door to the left of the logo. This will allow access to the single handle that opens the door (photo 9).
If for some reason the team assigned to the rear is delayed or has not yet opened up, you must remember the location of the unlocking devices should you have to crawl to the rear of the structure to ventilate, conduct search and rescue, or escape because interior conditions prevent you from making it back to your original entryway. If you can feel a lock near the bottom, remember that this door is also equipped with another shot-bolt lock near the top. If you feel no locks near the bottom of the door, a single handle is in the center of the door (photo 13).
Windows
The quickest and easiest way to remove the window coverings is from the inside with a saw. Cut the steel bars mounted up against the interior walls (photos 11, 12). The screen will fall away from the window opening. If the screens are installed properly, it is extremely difficult to remove them from the outside.
As America attempts to rebuild its inner cities, fire departments are being faced with greater challenges to their safety. As building codes are eased to encourage builders into America`s inner cities, we must heighten our awareness concerning structural collapse and firefighter egress on the fireground. So, get out and drive around your still alarm district. You might be surprised by what you find. n
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
n RAYMOND OROZCO is a battalion chief with the Chicago (IL) Fire Department, where he has served for 19 years. He has an associate`s degree in fire science technology from Harold Washington College and a bachelor`s degree in fire administration and management from Western Illinois University and is an adjunct instructor in the Chicago Citywide Fire Science Program.
