Capitol fails disabled when emergency alarm sounds - DM Registered

[Debi]

http://www.dmregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060119/NEWS10/601190371/1001&lead=1


When a fire alarm sounded Wednesday morning at the Capitol, everyone evacuated — everyone but Mark Kuhn.

The state representative is in a wheelchair after a farm accident last fall and couldn't get down the steps.

After the "all clear" had sounded, state officials admitted they had not properly installed safety devices purchased and delivered more than two years ago to evacuate disabled people from the 150-year-old Capitol during an emergency.

There is concern that the devices won't work properly on narrow, twisting staircases that are located on the north and south wings of the four-story building. The staircases in the Rotunda are straight.

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As a parent of a child that uses a wheelchair it's sad to know that the State Capitol isn't somewhere he can safely be.