On behalf of all Blackwell residents, I would like to thank the Duke administration for making sure that we are impeccably skilled in the art of the fire drill.
After Monday morning's 5 a.m. fire alarm, the 12th of the year by my count, I realized that we are more practiced at exiting the building than anyone else in the history of Duke, and I wanted to share some tips with those less fortunate: 1. When the fire alarm goes off, turn off your alarm clock before you forget. With an hour or more lost in sleep, you won't be going to your first class. 2. Turn on your lights. Check your Weatherbug to see the weather. 3. Choose your clothes depending on the weather. Always necessary are socks, pants, a t-shirt and a sweater. 4. Stop by the bathroom if you need to; you could be outside for a while. 5. Make sure all your hallmates are awake. You don't want anyone else sleeping if you can't! 6. Finally, if you exit via a side door, make sure you find a suitable doorstop to jam open the door. Otherwise you'll have to wait in line with the masses to get in the regular doors.
Keeping these tips in mind is sure to reduce the stress of the early-morning fire alarm.
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