The Observation Deck

Went by Horace Mann twice tonight. The last time around midnight. Every single light in the school was on. Both times we saw no sign of life in the rooms.

Of course my son complained that when he was a student there his math teacher turned off the lights to save money when he was in the class and he said the class was always dark and the students complained - but to no avail. A little ironic.

Was this an accident that the lights were left on - do we always leave all the lights on and if so why?

I notice that too at Emerson when driving home at 4-5am.

HMMS teachers were always weird. I can make an educated guess at who that teacher was because I remember sitting in the dark a few times too.

I am not sure- but I believe that it is because the area is under construction and extremely dangerous in the dark.

Charyn

Charyn Compeau wrote:I am not sure- but I believe that it is because the area is under construction and extremely dangerous in the dark.

Charyn

I believe this is correct. Because both Horace Mann and Emerson are active construction sites, safety and security regulations would require this. I don't know if work is being done around the clock but it is certainly being done outside the "9-to-5" time frame. The construction area of the library, I believe, is also constantly lit to some extent.

Aside from the dangers trespassing and simple mischief pose to persons and projects, construction/renovation sites contain materials of considerable value, tempting to thieves and scavengers. While I will need to ask the construction manager about exact safety code requirements or even best liability practices, the lights provide a higher measure of visibility, likelihood of better surveillance and criminal deterrence.

Kenneth Warren
Director
Lakewood Public Library

Thanks, that makes sense - but it is costly - I wonder if they could have motion sensor lights - or is that too complicated in a construction site?

My understanding of the lights at both Horace Mann and Emerson is that the lights are actually auxillary lighting provided by the construction firm. This is necessary because:

1) the existing electricity within the walls is in the process of being replaced (as are the walls within and between classrooms)

2) as many of the walls and much of the ceiling is open to install new infrastructure, the lights provide both safety and security. Not only for those working the site, but also for a prospective trespasser or vandal that might want to sue the district should they be injured during the course of their inappropriate action.

3) the lights are high intensity for construction purposes, but there are not quite the number portrayed as so much of the building footprint (no walls) is open during this period of construction.

Jay Foran wrote:2) as many of the walls and much of the ceiling is open to install new infrastructure, the lights provide both safety and security. Not only for those working the site, but also for a prospective trespasser or vandal that might want to sue the district should they be injured during the course of their inappropriate action.

Sad, but true.

Jay Foran wrote:Sad, but true.

Jay

Alas, we are from a whole different era. I remember when I would have got my ask kicked for breaking into a school or construction site. Probably sent to jail. Would not have hit the lawsuit jackpot.

It is all crazy.

Ever since I read that I ave kept all my lights on 24/7 including the garage, work shed and office.


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