Me, the Firemen --- and a False Alarm

April 15, 2009

OK --- I am on the committee for the writing conference May 1-3 coming up - mostly May 2nd (SVRWA All Writer's All Weekend)

So ----- I stayed at work - had a "heat and eat" dinner ---- so I could make a 7:30PM meeting at someone's house in Los Gatos

Had floss and toothbrush.

Around 6, I ate and at 6:40PM I was in the bathroom prepping - or about to.

The fire alarm went off - LOUD sucker (we had recently had a drill).

Well - I wasn't leaving without medication, eyeglasses, keys and purse (no smoke, no yelling, I figured drill or something but I had time),
so I stormed back up the hall and since people were leaving went in the open fire doors and slammed my computer power off (hard stop) and grabbed keys, bags, shawl, glasses and ran back to the fire door, which I then had a struggle with to get open (lovely).

I went with the last of the others out the front door (down the stairs not the elevator) and got outside --- and into a gale-force wind and made it to the car and ---
the alarm turned off.

Well - I needed to finish getting prepped so I went back in (so did everyone who did not leave) - I left everything in the truck except my keys and make-up bag.

I came out just as THREE FIRE TRUCKS ARRIVED (I was quick) .

The only man out there was foreign (of course) and confused (of course) so he passed them to ME.

Or I should say, they looked at him, saw me and came right over------

Something about being dressed up (even if in pants they are velvet), with jewelry, makeup (freshened), pulled together, and looking something other than the average tech worker, led them to believe I had authority. I guess. I tend to be dressed in pants, loafers ($$$), blouse or tank top and jacket, jewelry, hair neat, etc. In other words, professional.

I told the firemen - it was all over - everyone already back inside.

They wanted to know where it was set off --- hey - I was in the bathroom! (and said so)

---- of course it's after hours and I see no way to summon security (AND JUST WHERE ARE THEY???)

I've two firemen - a big black jolly guy and a tall thin bald one - all the rest stayed in their trucks until I had convinced them no fire----

The lead fireman called it in and said he was here "talking to management" (ME!)
That is just too hilarious! I started to protest then just shut up. I am a CEO - just of THIS company!

So they sent two trucks away

They wanted in - and it is a secure facility - and I have a badge.

I let them in ---- how would I say no??? I am a contractor, not an employee, so they never briefed me on what they want us to do. I was in a panic trying to figure how to call security. I can;t leave them alone to go find things. I can't go back up to my office and power-up the CPU. (takes 30 minutes. At least.)

The fireguy was rooting around inside at the alarm box and I flagged another employee down to help me try to call security - by then - they (security) were trotting across the street - FINALLY!

FALSE ALARM they said - security didn't want to come into the building - the door of which a fireman was holding open - I almost had to drag her in.

Well - someone should have called that in - they rolled THREE TRUCKS with SIRENS.

What I want to know is ---- How Come Security wasn't there faster? (There was a big meeting the next day about that - I can be vocal. I sent a copy of this story to management.)

And how come I WAS THE ONE HANDLING THE FIREMEN???? (Well, I don't maind handling firemen. But I was going to a meeting.)

(I was thanked the next day for my efforts.)

Tomorrow I will find out how to summon security. (I now have a note on my computer and a sign on the wall and they are putting the missing sticker back on the lobby phone.)

And what should I do if this happens again? (Hide.) (Seriously.)

I did take a photo of the one engine. Oh why not!

I fled as soon as security was in the building. I have a writing conference to get organized.