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The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) will conduct a symposium on the use of elevators in fires and other emergencies on December 1-2 at the Doubletree Hotel in Orlando. The symposium will focus on the progress of the ASME/A17 task groups on Use of Elevators by Firefighters and Use of Elevators for Occupant Egress In addition, the Symposium will examine proposals and experiences from U.S. and international experts in implementing changes to building and elevator systems. ASME is sponsoring this symposium with several other organizations, including the National Institute of Standards & Technology; the National Fire Protection Association; National Elevator Industry, Inc.; Elevator World, Inc.; and Koffel Associates. For more information, contact Patricia Reddington at e-mail: reddingtonp@asme.org or phone: (212) 591-8537; Geraldine Burdeshaw at e-mail: burdeshawg@asme.org or phone: (646) 369-4467; or website: http://events.asme.org/elevatorsymposium10.

Triple J Saipan Inc. plans to build high-rise apartment buildings worth US$12 million on private land along the beach in Chalan Kanoa, Saipan. Saipan is the largest island of the U.S. Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. The original building plans included one building, but have been revised to two buildings with six floors and a parking level for each building. The buildings exceed the 48 foot height limit, and the Saipan Zoning Office will have to approve a conditional use permit for the height. The apartments will be serviced by elevators and stairs. Triple J executive Michael S. Sablan said the apartments will be as environmentally friendly as possible.

According to jacksonville.com, police found a couple dead in their home elevator in St. Simons Island, Florida, on July 15. The police were called after someone noticed that several days of newspapers had not been taken into the house. The husband and wife, 90 and 89 years old, respectively, had apparently become trapped in the elevator when it stopped between the second and third floors of their home. The initial report stated they appeared to have died of natural causes, but an autopsy is planned. The incident is being investigated.