To read our current newsletter, click here. - The Wellington

From the Manager’s DeskSurprisingly, one of the mostfrequently asked questions is –what do I do when the firealarm rings? The answer issimple; go to the nearest exit and awaitfurther instruction. One of two thingswill happen – either the bells will stop ringingand it is safe to return home or, youwill receive further instruction to evacuateto another floor or outside the building.The main fire alarm is triggered by pullingone of the fire alarms in the hallways or,smoke detector in the hallway or thesprinkler system has been activated. Pleaseknow that the smoke detectors in suiteswill not activate the main smoke alarmand is not monitored. If you have smokein your suite (e.g.: burnt toast, pot left onstove), you need to call us if you need help.If a fire breaks out in your suite, thesprinklers will turn on and activate themain fire alarm system.The fire alarm has a horn/strobe in yoursuite, along with many horn/strobesthroughout the building. The alarm ismonitored by Telsco Security who willcall us prior to dispatching the Fire Dept.The fire doors in the hallways will shutand all fire exit doors will be unlockedand easy to open.Resident volunteers on each floor help withdrills and will take roll call at each exit. Ifwe need to evacuate, we will pass alongthis information to the Fire Dept. so theywill know which suites will not need to bechecked. This is also a good reason to leaveyour door unlocked during fire drills.3The stairwells have been designed to keepsmoke out therefore, it is important tokeep the door shut. If you need to evacuate,make a single file, proceed to the designatedarea as directed. (Remember, youmay be sharing the stairwells with thefiremen). Please do not remain in themain common area as the Fire Dept. willbe using this space. Go to the HarvestDining Room. If we need to evacuate thebuilding, the gathering place is the flagpole in the backyard/courtyard and we willexit through the gate to awaiting busses.Most condo fires start on the balconies orthe roof where there are no sprinklers. Theones that have burnt quickly did not have asprinkler system at all. NO SMOKING onpatios or balconies! Balconies should befree of clutter and not used for storage.Our fire alarm system, kitchen suppressionsystem, fire extinguishers and sprinklersystem are all inspected annually by aqualified company. In addition, there is anannual inspection by the MH Fire Dept.It is important to participate in fire drills sothat in an emergency situation, time willnot be wasted providing unnecessarydirection. You should be able to evacuateon your own and if you are unable, pleasestay in your suite – providing there is nosmoke or fire nearby.If you are interested in helping with firedrills or building safety, please join ourSafety Committee which meets quarterly.Watch for postings; next meeting, June 13.Linda Hygard,General Manager