Jim, thank you for taking the time to write out a very very long, thought out warning about the dangers of abusing elevators, even though it was longer than the post itself in which I never once said I just sent Kendall to go play on the elevator unattended, but I get it. You don’t want him to grow up thinking that’s okay. That’s cool. I do appreciate your concern.

I take it you are not a frequent reader. You would know that when I say I entertained him by riding the elevators I mean that much in the same way as if I said I entertained him by dangling shiny sharp objects in front of him. Clearly I don’t want him to grow up to abuse them or hurt himself with them, but whatever it takes man to get this kid to stay happy while out in public.

Tim, welcome.

For people that do not understand the dangers of where and where not to place their hands, fingers and other body parts, it can be somewhat dangerous, especially if those people think that it is a “fun” thing to do and are totally unaware of the problems that exist. Great pains are taken during development, design and construction of elevators and escalators to reduce the possibility of having body parts becoming caught in doors, moving parts and the like; however, it can happen. It can happen more easily if the body parts are small enough. The doors are heavy and will not reverse if someone has their fingers just on the actual part of the door that meets the strike jamb (the part of the cab wall the door hits as it closes if there is door movement in one direction only) or the other door. This is because they are not contacting the door reversal device or breaking the door reversal electric beams. If you are unaware of this as Kendall would be, the closing door hurts. I know, I have gotten my fingers pinched a few times myself in the course of my work. I am an elevator technician and have been for over 22 years.

I caught the comment about entertaining Kendall by riding the elevator. Please refrain from this. I gives the impression to him that it is an OK thing to do. I know that the glass elevators are a very entertaining “window” from which a young person can observe the world as it “goes” by. But this is not a good thing as you probably have figured out since this incident. I am very happy Kendall was unhurt and no problems occurred, both for Kendall and for your family.

I strongly urge all parents to caution their children on the dangers of using elevators and escalators when they are unsupervised; you, as the parent, will have to decide when they are ready for this step. I hear some of the horror stories about injuries that sometimes result from these activities and I feel for ALL of the people involved in the situation.

In addition, parents, while you are shopping, please do not tell your children to “Go play on the escalator” while you do your shopping. This is an open invitation to problems and possible injury. You would not even begin to think of telling your child to “Go play in the traffic” would you? It is not nearly as dangerous, but the potential is still there for injury.

Thank you for taking the time to read this. If it reduces the level of injuries to children any at all, I have done a fine public service.

Glad that things turned out ok!