[Tang-residents] FIRE DRILL NOTICE

[Michael Collins]

Hello,

The City of Cambridge Fire Department has contacted MIT regarding spring fire
drills.  The plan is to conduct the unannounced drills the last week of
April and the first week or two of May.   There were a few concerns cited by
the Fire Department during the Fall drills that MIT must address,  before the
drills:

1) The city expects all residents to evacuate the building within 5 minutes.
The high-rises with 10 or more floors should be evacuated within 7 minutes.

2) Elevators can not be used to evacuate per state law. All residents must use
the stairs.

3) During the emergency evacuation, residents must exit the building using the
closest exit door to the stairwell, usually they are within the stairwell.
During an emergency alarm, residents are allowed and encouraged to use the
alarmed exit doors.  `The alarms are installed to ensure security but must be
ignored during an emergency.  Never go through the building to exit the main
front door.  If the stair exit opens to a courtyard, exit the courtyard
immediately using the gate to the street. Courtyards are not considered safe
staging areas.

4) When outside all residents must congregate in the building specific staging
area.  Proceed to the plaza in front of Westgate W85.  In inclement 
weather, go into lobby of Westgate W85 and await further 
instructions.  This area must be away from the building to ensure the 
residents are safe from the smoke and fire
as well as the Fire Department and MIT emergency response personnel are allowed
easy access to the building.  ( Never block the entrance or main sidewalk )

5) No one is allowed to re-enter the building until the Fire Department gives
the all clear.  City officials will work with MIT staff to return the building
to a safe environment as soon as possible and signal your return.


The City Fire Department grades each building on their success in quick and 
safe
evacuation, please help us show the city that MIT takes emergencies seriously!

Thank You all for your help.
Michael

Michael Collins
Manager
Tang Residence Hall
Westgate Apartments
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Housing Department
W84-104   617-253-5146
collinsm at mit.edu