It's All In The Wording
Published Jan 14, 2003
When I worked for the security department of a large retail store, my duties included responding to fire and burglar alarms. A side door of the building was wired with a security alarm, because it was not supposed to be used by customers.
Nevertheless they found the convenience of the exit tempting.
Even a sign with large red letters, warning "Alarm will sound if opened," failed to deter people from using it.
One day, after attending to a number of shrieking alarms, I placed a small handmade sign on the door that totally eliminated the problem: "Wet paint."
Originally published January 15, 2003.
