-strandedteens- Alina Lopez - Balcony Rescue -2... Direct

By 5:45 PM, the fire department arrived. But there was a problem: the apartment’s front door had a deadbolt that even the building’s super couldn’t immediately bypass because Alina’s parents had changed the locks without updating management records. The rescue would have to come from outside. Firefighter Lieutenant Jamal Harris made the call. Instead of wasting time trying to breach the front door, he ordered a ground-based 100-foot aerial ladder extended to the 12th floor. But the street below was narrow, lined with parked cars and ornamental trees. Crews had to redirect traffic and move three vehicles manually.

And on the 12th floor, Alina Lopez still shoots her urban photography—but now, there’s always a second phone in her pocket, a doorstop in her bag, and a view that reminds her of how close she came, and how many hands reached out to pull her back. If you or someone you know lives in a high-rise building, check your balcony door’s locking mechanism today. Consider installing a portable alarm or wedge. And always – always – know your neighbors. You never know when they might be the ones looking up for you. -StrandedTeens- Alina Lopez - Balcony Rescue -2...

Within a month, the building’s management replaced all 180 sliding glass doors and installed emergency release mechanisms accessible from the exterior of each balcony. A new city ordinance was proposed, requiring balcony doors in buildings over 10 stories to have manual overrides that can be operated from both sides. By 5:45 PM, the fire department arrived

By J. Reynolds, Emergency Response Correspondent Firefighter Lieutenant Jamal Harris made the call

Meanwhile, Alina and Marcus had been on the balcony for nearly two hours. The sun was low, but the heat was still oppressive. Marcus had begun feeling lightheaded. Alina kept him talking, pointing at landmarks, reciting song lyrics—anything to keep him conscious.