Another Fireman Proves Himself an Ass...
"Dear Annie: I read the letter from the woman in Iowa who asked about using gauzy material to block access to the center aisle during a wedding ceremony.
As a retired fire marshal, I am greatly concerned by this practice. It is a violation of most fire codes to block the access to any aisle during an assembly. In an emergency, the guests would be able to use only one half of the exit capacity. If the planner wants to keep the aisle runner clean for the bride and groom, it would be safer to roll it out AFTER the guests have been seated. That doesn't require putting up anything to block the aisles. -- Hendersonville, N.C.
Dear N.C.: You have made a valid point, although we might mention that flimsy gauze is not going to prevent anyone from traipsing down the center aisle in case of fire. It is more ornamental than practical. But we appreciate the warning."
Checked by Ann Landers. That sucks.
As a retired fire marshal, I am greatly concerned by this practice. It is a violation of most fire codes to block the access to any aisle during an assembly. In an emergency, the guests would be able to use only one half of the exit capacity. If the planner wants to keep the aisle runner clean for the bride and groom, it would be safer to roll it out AFTER the guests have been seated. That doesn't require putting up anything to block the aisles. -- Hendersonville, N.C.
Dear N.C.: You have made a valid point, although we might mention that flimsy gauze is not going to prevent anyone from traipsing down the center aisle in case of fire. It is more ornamental than practical. But we appreciate the warning."
Checked by Ann Landers. That sucks.