A Graceful Entrance; A not-so-Graceful Exit

Front Door Entrance:

With all of the traffic through the main entrance doors, it is quite evident that the front doors have taken quite a beating. These doors were replaced a few years ago and are quite expensive.
If you are moving furniture and other large objects through the entrance way, take care. There is a way to prop the doors open. Ask someone to show you.


Ungraceful Exit:

This past week at some unspeakable hour in the morning, the fire evacuation alarm sounded. As I understand it, a leak in the sprinkler water supply line was the cause. Whenever water flows in the sprinkler pipelines, a sensor will trigger the evacuation signal. This is how the fire alarm system knows that a sprinkler head has activated. Water flow to a sprinkler head or a leak will both have the same effect.

The leak apparently was immediately above the ceiling of unit 410. That's a Chesapeake model on the creek side of the building. The resident has moved out temporarily while repairs are made.

I understand that the Condo Association Insurance covers the remediation.

Since water flows down, units 310, 210, and 110, all have decreasing amounts of water damage.

Fair Warning:

We have had several evacuation alarms. Please do not ignore these alarms. What is the main excuse why people don't evacuate buildings?

"I don't smell any smoke. It must be a false alarm."

Given our experiences, I can understand why someone would take this position; however, assuming a false alarm is a good way to find yourself trapped in a burning building. The hazard may not be smoke: but, combustion products, like Carbon Monoxide that will overcome you. Carbon Monoxide has no odor. If you smell smoke, It is probably too late.

Back to Basics:

• Yes, this past week there was no fire; but, the alarm system functioned as designed.



• Never assume a false alarm, that's how people die.



• Leave the building and let the Fire Marshall determine when it is safe to return.



• Help others get out. Maybe we should have a buddy system so we know who's in the building.

Also Heard:

I heard that a resident may have disconnected the strobe/sounder in their unit. In my opinion, this is criminal. The disconnection of any component on a fire signal loop, can cause system failure. The control panel sends check signals every second to check for readiness of the electronics. Fire systems detect and report the device number. This is required by code. If you disconnect your device, the fire system will not properly reset.

A break in the circuit loop affects the fire system's readiness. If the sound bothers you, try ear plugs. (Sorry, but this is serious stuff.)

In and Out:

Also reported was a young man that has been scootering in the lobby. Please walk your scooter. The lobby is the community living room. Please respect it. Thanks.

Send your comments to mc900@comcast.net .