It is no surprise to any college student that fire alarms go off wherever and whenever they want.
This past Labor Day Weekend I had the pleasure of having the fire alarm in my building go off at 3 a.m. Unamused and exhausted as ever, my roommates and I dragged ourselves out of the building into the streets of DC in the wee hours of the morning.
Within a few minutes of standing outside we saw the reflection of a bright orange flame in the windows of the building across the street. This was not a drill. This was not a burnt bag of popcorn. This was real and it was on the roof of our building.
I am happy to admit that the fire was contained and put out. There was limited damage (aside from the completely ruined wooden deck, RIP Fulbright roof) and we were all safe. The University Police Department and DC Fire could not have been more helpful and concerned for our safety and I would like to extend a large thank-you to them.
Regardless, there have been a lot of fire alarms around campus lately, so here is just a fragment of the emotions that go through our heads when we have to drag our butts out of bed at 3 a.m.
Stage 1: Deep Sleep
You are sound asleep; you could not be more rested for that dreaded 8 am.
Stage 2: The Piercing Alarm
The fire alarm goes off. It is ear piercing and menacing.
Stage 3: Denial
You try your hardest to convince yourself this is not happening. You try to make yourself go back to sleep. It is 3 a.m, you just simply cannot right now.
Stage 4: Panic
Suddenly you realize it is not just an alarm clock or some other piercing noise; it is a fire alarm. You jump out of your bed, scramble for your shoes, and probably grab a sweatshirt along the way so you look a little less ridiculous in your pajamas.
Stage 5: Longing For Your Bed
The only thing you want is to be inside and have your head on a pillow. It would also probably be nice to get an email saying your 8 am is cancelled.
Stage 6: Processing Everything
After spending sometime really getting to know your hall mates and seeing how great the police department on campus can be, you are just happy and lucky to be safe, and eventually back in bed.
