u/AngryToeGuy

Just saw this on my local Next Door page, dude was getting flamed because it’s just a breakaway chain blocking the door and was only being used as a deterrent for theft, but he also made a good point that it could deter someone from using it because they think it’s locked or may pose a snag risk on handicap equipment. I’m split on whether or not this is safe, since it IS just a breakaway chain, but fire code says nothing can obstruct the door and that in order to open the door, only one action must be taken along with what the guy said. This would turn it into two, but again it takes nothing to break the chain. I’m leaning on the “it’s fine” side of things, but can definitely see how this is a big no no.

I volunteer for a team that’s around 30 years old. I just started here (I’ve been on other teams before though) and notice a gross lack of commitment of the team along with online presence. It doesn’t seem like agencies know we exist despite working with our sheriffs department that entire time. It’s gotten to the point that I’m thinking of leaving because of it, but I’d like to at least try and breathe some new life into the team before I call it quits.

The online presence is almost non-existent, so I’ve gotten access to the Facebook page and now post three times a week, roughly at the same time each time, with either trainings/callouts (we’ve only had one since March! Not that’s that’s necessarily a bad thing though) or content I’ve made that’s outdoors/search and rescue related. Our analytics have increased by roughly 150% across the board, which gives me hope. Although if someone has any pointers for that, I’d be very happy to see them!

On to the more serious issue however, the team commitment is practically zero. The only people showing up are me and the other two new guys. People don’t come to trainings or events. We often do medical, or rather I do medical, for our county events like the fair or pride fest. Is there anyway to start building that culture back up? Don’t get me wrong, I love the other two new guys, but when I see a team roster of +70 and have only met maybe 10 people in total the 8 months I’ve been volunteering with them, it’s a little disheartening. I know it shouldn’t be up to the new guys to fix everything, but it seems like that’s the only support our team has right now.

Any advice is welcome. I’d like to at least say I tried. We are based in the Western US

How safe is it to chain a fire escape door? (Even if it is just a breakaway chain?)

Old team needs new life

Does this look like the right length?