Lauren Georgeson's Insight

What is going on?

(Sounding of an alarm)

What in the world is going on? Is that the fire alarm?

It all started last Wednesday around 8:30pm. You see, I live with five other people in House 6 of The Village at 115, and it tends to get a little crazy in there sometimes. Two of my roommates, Vicky and Courtney, decided to go to the o-chem SI, but I decided to stay in the comfort of my bedroom and study in there with the door closed, since SI's don't really seem to help me.

I was minding my own business when I heard a loud scream. I ignored it at first because it's not unusual for our apartment, and I recognized that scream right away as Sonia's, one of my roommates. I thought nothing of it because she is usually a loud girl. Then, I heard all this chaos and people opening and closing doors, and I heard people pounding on the doors saying, "Get out!"

I was getting a little worried by now and listened a little closer and heard some kind of alarm that seemed to be talking. As I opened the door, it became super loud, and our fire alarm was flashing bright lights. A woman's voice was coming out of the alarm saying, "A fire has been detected in the building. Please exit using the nearest staircase. Do not, I repeat, DO NOT use the elevators." The alarm sounded then the woman's little speech then it sounded again, and I began to think it was not just a drill. Usually, they warn us when there is to be a fire drill, so we are not alarmed, but this time they didn't.

I realized my one roommate Sarah was in the shower, and I walked back and forth in the hallway between her bathroom and my bedroom pondering what to do. I didn't know whether I should get her out, and if it was real, should I grab my purse and some valuable belongings? I was so confused.

Finally, I decided to open the door to the apartment and look out into the hallway. There were two Case security guards saying, "Go outside." I told them, "I have a roommate who is in the shower." He said, "Get her out right now!" I ran to the bathroom and pounded on the door saying, "Sarah, you need to get out and go outside QUICK!" I grabbed my keys and went outside with her. I was only wearing a t-shirt, and she was in a towel! Well, there happened to be a boy's soccer game going on, and she was real embarrassed. I was laughing so hard. Everyone was looking at her like "What is going on?"

I guess the fire drill was only for House 6 at the most awkward time. Who has a fire drill that late when people, especially at Case, are already sleeping? I understand that a fire could happen at any time of the day, but usually drills are during the day. Not to mention the fact that I could barely hear the alarm, since the new apartments are sound proof for the most part.

When Vicky and Courtney came home, we told they had missed all the excitement. We told them how strange it was that the fire alarm spoke to you. It was kind of neat in a way.

This story is just a little taste of what our group project is going to discuss. We will address all of the newest technology they have installed at The Village at 115.