This post is going to focus on some basement indicators.  The pictures shown below are just examples of things you might see when making the round.  Keep in mind that at night you need to take a hand light.  For example, the wood behind the basement windows below may not be noticeable with shining a light in the windows on the way around.

So, since then we were granted permission to make entry, using our Knox Box keys, and take a look around. I found the interior side of these doors to be interesting.

Make it interesting and stop at a building and put up your ladder just for practice. Sit and consider the obstacles or water supply issues with a certain area or complex. Just get out and do it.

As you can see, this is an outward swinging door that should be reasonable easy to force with the right tools and skill. Of course, in my experiences people aren’t spending as much time as they should practicing forcible entry techniques.

When firefighters become lost or disoriented we are taught to find a window or door on an outside wall. The inside of this building may feel like windows to the gloved hand, but in reality it has been blocked up.

The picture is a bulk head for a basement. We have always been taught and trained to look for and create a secondary means of egress for upper floors. Well, it’s no different for basements.

Not only will it hamper rescue efforts, performing ventilation or suppression from this side of the building would be challenging at best.

Don’t let this pass inspection. These blocked doors can be dangerous and impede exiting patrons.