Emergency Services Access to Gated Communities ?

[henrycrun]

Sorry if in wrong section, but I also wanted to get answers from Firemen, Paramedics and Police.

Thinking of moving to a private development with electric gates (closed 24/7) but the wife is not so keen.

Does anyone live in similar situation and what is the usual arrangement for the emergency services to gain access ?

Thanks in advance.

[mcflurry]

I'd imagine they'd ask once, and then use a "tin opener" in an emergency

[12lee]

The block I lived in had a key over-ride (perhaps a standard key type similar to those for 'emergency vehicle only' access bollards) and I'm certain that ambulance service and fire had the relevant key (so it must have been a standard type).

[dacouch]

12lee said:

The block I lived in had a key over-ride (perhaps a standard key type similar to those for 'emergency vehicle only' access bollards) and I'm certain that ambulance service and fire had the relevant key (so it must have been a standard type).

A lot of buildings or gated communities have similar keys for postmen

[anonymous-user]

I would imagine it's no different to living in a block of flats where you have to use the entry phone/keypad at the main door to get in?

[henrycrun]

But there is no intercom.
Residents use a fob on a touch pad to activate the gate.

[Bigends]

There should be some sort of marker on their incidentsystem to let them know the developments gated and how to gain access

[anonymous-user]

henrycrun said:

But there is no intercom.
Residents use a fob on a touch pad to activate the gate.

How do the residents recieve deliveries??

[dudleybloke]

Maybe open the gate for them. You know they're coming because you called them.

[babelfish]

Our gates (two properties with shared drive way) have a box with a Fire Brigade padlock on it. Inside the the box is a key to disable the rams on the gate so they can be pushed open.

[Roo]

How often are you expecting the emergency services to turn up?

[jaf01uk]

We have remotes for the one here, failing that someone would have to come out and open it?

[Greendubber]

Depends how urgent it is

Old bill will climb over if the caller cant let them in

Ambo will ask the caller to open it up

Fire brigade will destroy it if they are not open

Its not worth worrying about!

[trialsta]

The Fire Service carry universal hydraulic powered keys, the Ambulance Service will call the Fire Service, the Police just probably wont turn up

[Barkychoc]

Some properties just have the door security on a timer for postie - about 7 to 11 am the door is unlocked.

[Hooli]

trialsta said:

The Fire Service carry universal hydraulic powered keys, the Ambulance Service will call the Fire Service, the Police just probably wont turn up

[Hol]

We looked at a development of 6 houses with private access last move and in pretty sure there was a keypad for use by firemen and postman, milkman etc.



I remember commenting at the time about the codes becoming widely shared and negating the security.


I didnt buy anyway, as the development backed onto a public playing field next to a council estate, so it was hardly Fort Knox (Edited: actualy the wife overruled me cos there werent enough cupboards).

[henrycrun]

Thanks for the info. I might try and ask the local bill.