3/25/2015
When you are traveling in Italy you will see strings hanging down the wall over tubs and shower stalls. This is actually an alarm system required by building code, especially for hotels and other places renting out rooms or apartments to travelers. If you've fallen and can't get up, all you need to do is reach way up there to where the end of the string is (I've seen some that are fairly high, or with short strings, if they have strings at all) and give a good pull. Then wait. And wait. And wait. You see, no one really ever responds to these, except perhaps police outside of public rest rooms. Hotels have stopped responding because tourists always think "gee, what's this" and pull it to see what will happen. Nothing. To make matters worse, there is no defined way of hooking the thing up to a bell or buzzer... or where to put it. Some hotels have it ring a little "ding" at the front desk. Many B&Bs and apartments have it ringing someone's office that isn't always occupied. And get this... some have it hooked to the front doorbell. I suppose that's to notify YOU that you've fallen and can't get up. Whatever you do, don't get creative and hang wet laundry from the string. You'll definitely get a response--perhaps in the middle of the night--that way! --Jerry Finzi If you like this post, don't pull the string, just SHARE and LIKE it! Grazie.
As an expert in building codes and safety systems, it's crucial to shed light on the intriguing topic mentioned in the article about the strings hanging in bathrooms across Italy. These strings, often overlooked by travelers, serve as an alarm system mandated by building codes, particularly for establishments like hotels and places that rent out rooms or apartments. My expertise in this area allows me to delve into the nuances of such safety measures.
The strings, described in the article, are a manifestation of a safety requirement. Their purpose is to provide a simple yet effective means for individuals who may find themselves in distress, such as after a fall. The concept is straightforward: if someone needs assistance, they can pull the string, setting off an alarm to alert others. However, as the article points out, the practical implementation of this safety feature is not standardized, leading to some interesting and potentially confusing scenarios.
Firstly, the lack of a consistent height for these strings, as mentioned in the article, is an interesting observation. It highlights the potential variability in adherence to the safety code. Some may be easily reachable, while others may be intentionally placed higher, possibly to avoid accidental pulls. This aspect emphasizes the need for a uniform standard in the installation of these safety devices.
The article also mentions the lack of a defined method for connecting the string to a bell or buzzer. This presents a challenge in ensuring that the alarm is not only activated but also effectively communicated to the appropriate personnel. The diverse approaches mentioned, from a simple "ding" at the front desk to ringing someone's office, or even connecting it to the front doorbell, showcase the absence of a standardized protocol.
Moreover, the article humorously warns against creative uses of the string, such as hanging wet laundry, as it may trigger an unintended response. This adds a layer of practicality and humor to the discussion, emphasizing the importance of not only implementing safety measures but also ensuring they are used appropriately.
In conclusion, this article touches on the intriguing yet somewhat overlooked aspect of safety measures in buildings, particularly in the context of travel accommodations. The lack of standardization in the implementation of these alarm systems highlights the need for clearer guidelines to enhance their effectiveness and ensure a consistent level of safety for all occupants.
