Photo: John Meguerian
The common sight of students studying, gossiping, and napping in Norris University Center was interrupted last Monday, February 8, by a wailing, angry fire alarm. Students and workers exited the building and huddled in the snow as police cars and a firetruck pulled towards the building. Turns out it was definitely not a test. According to Rick Thomas, Executive Director of Norris, it was an elevator issue.
“The exhaust fan of one of our two elevators burned out,” he says. “That caused some smoke in the elevator and the staff that were on site pulled the fire alarm.”
This isn’t the first time Norris elevators has had a problems. Notably last year, elevators halted mid-ride and left riders trapped. “People got stuck a couple times,” recalled Communications junior Alyssia Munoz, who has worked at Norris for three years and is now the Operations Student Staff Manager. “The elevators are kind of old.”
Elevators on campus undergo routine maintenance, says interim Director of Facilities Management Gary Wojtowicz. “Over the years components have been upgraded, including the little tiny 8-horsepower fan”—which burned out last week, causing the smoky elevator.
The last time the Norris elevators were renovated though, the focus was not on individual parts. “They were all upgraded to apply with code,” Wojtowicz says. “It has nothing to do with the the fan, it has everything to do with hydraulics.”
Wojtowicz could not recall the exact last time individual parts were replaced in University elevators. But he says you don’t have to worry: Apparently last week’s thing was a freak accident. “It was a little 8-horse-power ventilation fan. Even with the best preventative measures, components do fail,” he insists.
All in all, Norris management was pleased with the building evacuation from last week. They felt it showed they’re ready for anything. Like Superman. Or Sponge Bob.
