Benton Woman Prompts Change in Hot Springs Security System
By:
Updated: December 3, 2012
Benton resident Christy Pettis is almost completely deaf and has been since birth.
When she found out Hot Springs activated it's new high tech building security system Monday morning, she made it her mission to point out that the new framework for controlling public access wasn't going to work for people with disabilities like her.
"I was surprised in this day and age...I feel deaf people are often overlooked," she said.
Not for long.
Denny McPhate who heads up the city's Public Works Department said he's going to come up with a way to make the controlled-access system work for the hearing impaired.
"We hadn't thought about how we're going to deal with an audible system (until now)," McPhate said.
The new security system requires visitors to ring a buzzer which activates a video camera. Visitors have to state their name and nature of their business before city staffers allow them inside the building.
The $120,000 system is also installed at two other city buildings. City officials have said the purpose is to safeguard employees. It includes upgrades to fire and burglar alarms in those three buildings.
When she found out Hot Springs activated it's new high tech building security system Monday morning, she made it her mission to point out that the new framework for controlling public access wasn't going to work for people with disabilities like her.
"I was surprised in this day and age...I feel deaf people are often overlooked," she said.
Not for long.
Denny McPhate who heads up the city's Public Works Department said he's going to come up with a way to make the controlled-access system work for the hearing impaired.
"We hadn't thought about how we're going to deal with an audible system (until now)," McPhate said.
The new security system requires visitors to ring a buzzer which activates a video camera. Visitors have to state their name and nature of their business before city staffers allow them inside the building.
The $120,000 system is also installed at two other city buildings. City officials have said the purpose is to safeguard employees. It includes upgrades to fire and burglar alarms in those three buildings.
