It was one of those moments when you think. “I know what I am supposed to do here, but should I REALLY do it?” I was in a hotel and the fire alarm went off, and did not stop. So you ask yourself, “Is this real? Or a drill?” I was sitting in bed in my night clothes, ready to settle down, and then the alarm started bleeting out it’s horrid signal. We’ve all been trained what that sound means, so we know we should evacuate the building. I thought only a split second before I got out of bed, got dressed, grabbed my irreplaceable belongings, and walked down stairs to join the rest of the hotel guests. We waited a few minutes and the fire department showed up. It only took a few minutes and we were permitted back into our rooms. I got undressed and got back into bed.
So tonight, I found myself in bed in my night clothes, ready to settle down, and the alarm started bleeting out it’s horrid signal. This time I did not say anything kind, I cursed the darn alarms and paused. I thought this had to be an equipment failure, and yet what if it wasn’t? So I began getting dressed, gathering my belongings, and the alarms stopped. I stood there half dressed to see if it would start again, and it did not. I got back into bed. I then listened while the alarms in almost every room on this floor went off, then stopped.
I appreciate the fire crew that showed up to ensure our safety. They are a very under appreciated service. We know they are there, we know their purpose, and yet we rarely think of them unless something is wrong. I appreciate that we have all been trained on how to evacuate a building to save our lives. I’m glad we live in a country where people serve to keep us safe…even if it is a false alarm. Because it only takes one out of control flame to change our world forever.
So next time you hear that fire alarm ringing out, evacuate and give thanks for those who come to your aid and keep you safe. Your life is worth getting dressed and your family needs you alive.
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