Shirts and shoes, tablets and pens - the back-to-school shopping list keeps growing. As families head to the mall to prepare for school days, it's important to keep safety in mind.
Escalators transport more than 245 million people in North America daily, with some 33,000 escalators filling busy shopping malls and office buildings. From big cities to suburban commercial centers, passengers busily ride up and down these mechanical wonders – often without even knowing that unsafe behavior puts them at risk of injury.
Young children riding escalators unattended. Strollers balancing on the steps. Suitcases with straps dangling. Passengers sitting on steps, running, or walking in the wrong direction. Joy-riders sitting atop or surfing handrails. These are just some of the examples of common unsafe practices on escalators.
Because riding on escalators has become so routine, we sometimes take rules and safety recommendations for granted. With shoppers filling the malls, parents, children and all passengers should be aware of safety precautions they can take on escalators to prevent injuries.
Adults can help by setting a good example.
Teach children that escalators are not toys. Explain to them that an escalator is a moving staircase. Escalators are a continuous chain of moving steps powered by a motor and are to be respected, as any large moving machinery should be. Slips, trips, and falls can occur on escalators and most can be prevented with safe riding habits.
Here are some safety tips that every escalator rider should follow:
* Upon entering an escalator, hold children firmly by the hand, while grasping the handrail with your other hand.
* Never take baby strollers on escalators. Take the elevator instead.
* Wear shoes at all times and make sure shoelaces are securely tied to prevent them from becoming caught. In addition, remember to secure loose items such as toys and outerwear prior to getting on.
* Keep children’s fingers away from any spaces between the steps and the skirt of the elevator (the panels located on either side of the escalator steps).
* Do not lean against or place handbags or packages on the handrail and never sit on the escalator steps or handrails.
* As you exit, do so quickly to avoid blocking the path of riders behind you. If there is an emergency, push one of the “Stop†buttons located at the top or bottom landings of the escalator near the handrail or floor level.
* Lift children who are under five years old on and off an escalator. They may not yet possess the motor skills necessary to time getting on and off safely.
* Most of all, stress to children and teens that they should never play on an escalator!
By abiding by these rules, and teaching them to your children, you can reduce the risk of injury dramatically. If you take your safety seriously, others will follow your example.
For more information about escalator safety, visit the National Elevator Industry (NEII) Web site at www.neii.org , or the Elevator and Escalator Safety Foundation Web site at www.eesf.org .
Courtesy of ARA Content
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Great article! You have no idea the number of people who are injured each year on elevators and escalators. While both are safe they are machines that require respect. The Elevator Escalator Safety Foundation has two great programs for educating both adults and children the safe and proper use of elevators. If we teach our little ones these valuable lessons, when they grow up they will be less likely to make the mistakes of others that have caused them to loose their lives. Visit http://www.eesf.org for more information. Thanks again for writing about this important topic!
Pittsfield ZBA Member Recognized for 40 Years of Service
By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
Albert Ingegni III tells the council about how his father-in-law, former Mayor Remo Del Gallo who died at age 94 in 2020, enjoyed his many years serving the city and told Ingegni to do the same.
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — It's not every day that a citizen is recognized for decades of service to a local board — except for Tuesday.
Albert Ingegni III was applauded for four decades of service on the Zoning Board of Appeals during City Council. Mayor Peter Marchetti presented him with a certificate of thanks for his commitment to the community.
"It's not every day that you get to stand before the City Council in honor of a Pittsfield citizen who has dedicated 40 years of his life serving on a board or commission," he said.
"As we say that, I know that there are many people that want to serve on boards and commissions and this office will take any resume that there is and evaluate each person but tonight, we're here to honor Albert Ingegni."
The honoree is currently chair of the ZBA, which handles applicants who are appealing a decision or asking for a variance.
Ingegni said he was thinking on the ride over about his late father-in-law, former Mayor Remo Del Gallo, who told him to "enjoy every moment of it because it goes really quickly."
"He was right," he said. "Thank you all."
The council accepted $18,000 from the state Department of Conservation and Recreation and a $310,060 from the U.S. Department of Transportation's Safe Streets and Roads for All program.
Albert Ingegni III was applauded for four decades of service on the Zoning Board of Appeals during City Council. Mayor Peter Marchetti presented him with a certificate of thanks for his commitment to the community.
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Between disagreements about site design and a formal funding process not yet established, more time is needed before a decision can be made.
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The Ordinances and Rules subcommittee on Monday unanimously supported a pay raise for election workers, free downtown parking for veterans, and safeguards to better protect wetlands.
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A parking study of North Street will be presented at Tuesday's City Council meeting. The design maintains parallel parking while expanding pedestrian zones and adding protected bike lanes. click for more