For a few hours this morning. It takes me a bit longer than most to dash out of here because I want full access to my BOB (it's small, but boy does stuff get buried in there), and sneaks, and coat and stuff. And, of course, I just HAD to take a powder first.

It's the first time I can recall that the entire building has been evacuated. We're normally set up so that only a few floors are moved around at a time. We were given a choice between stairs (two main wells) and the elevators to evacuate 46 floors. Looks like most people chose the stairs. By the time I was ready the stairwell was gridlocked, so I waited for an elevator and got out fairly quickly. If the building had been on fire, the elevators would not have been available.

These business disruptions really suck. I was fortunate that I remembered something useful (i.e., billable) to do at an alternate location. Looks like a lot of folks never came back. (I don't think that is to be taken as a slacker response in this case.)

I was delayed in leaving by a couple minutes because I wanted fully mobility getting out of the building and then going wherever I wanted to. In the equivalent of a WTC attack I would have been screwed. Ditto if I had left too soon because I wouldn't have assembled my goggles and mask.

This requires a bit more thinking, and I see no indication that anyone else is doing much thinking at all, other than just scrambling. Once the really cold weather hits, that could be a problem.

-- Anonymous, October 19, 2001

Answers

from the tone of your post I guess it was a hoax threat?

sounds like time to decide on a new bug out plan for yourself. Can you carry your BOB with you when you are away from your office?

What about putting your winter coat on the back of your chair? You can maybe [if the pockets are big enough] put some of the more important things in the pockets as winter approaches.

glad you're safe. very glad! I didn't know you were in such a tall building. Any talk about moving to a short one? heh heh

What about working from home? Can you do that? Maybe a little?

-- Anonymous, October 19, 2001

Brooks, I'm glad that you're okay, too! Is there rope in your BOB? Do you have the ability to repel down the building or stairwell? I don't know you, so I don't know if that's an option. I have rope and gloves for that stowed at work. I've also taken to wearing hiking boots on the job (I can get away with it). That way, if I'm forced to evaculate during an ice storm, I'm wearing suitable footwear.

-- Anonymous, October 19, 2001

Brooks,

Glad that everything is okay.

Look on the positive side. You got a small amount of practice just in case the real thing were ever to happen (which I hope it doesn't). You were given a "real" chance to test your plan and have realized some problems. At least you are a million miles ahead of the rest of the people in the building. Consider it a learning experience.

-- Anonymous, October 19, 2001

Ok, darling, I understand the delay scrambling for your BOB and waiting for the elevator...but stopping to pee first is definitely a no-no.

>;)

-- Anonymous, October 19, 2001

Meemur, nothing approach 38 stories worth of rope... (plus the windows don't open at this level, but, heh, maybe I could catch a ride on one of the window washer platforms?)

I didn't really take the BOB thing seriously until the WTC. I was part way there, but getting sloppy. WTC taught me I needed a mask and goggles of some sort. (I have a gas mask here at work - not yet opened, gag! and another one in my car, because it is simply too bulky to carry with me everywhere.) The report that one of our D.C. employees circulated convinced me I wanted a small portable radio with me to cut down on the rumors during the get away period. (She was convinced from folks around here that, after the Pentagon attack, there were SEVERAL more planes headed to Washington.)

Probably some more adjustments I'll make to my basic bag. Just wish I had timed myself, because I thought I was doing fairly well (except for that ladies' room run).

-- Anonymous, October 19, 2001

the timing wouldn't count for much since you cheated and used the elevator.

Your punishment for that, and the pee break, is to use the stairs when you leave everyday next week, with BOB, briefcase, and wintercoat.

So glad I can still laugh about it. LOL

[we expect your timing to improve each day, btw.]

-- Anonymous, October 19, 2001

I agree with the peeing. A woman can't just aim the stream someplace, she has to remove her knickers and squat. Losing bladder control in the middle of a crisis and being wet through IN THE WINTER IN BOSTON canot be a pretty sight. The only solution to this is wearing Depends, LOL! Hey, that wouldn't be a bad idea--stick one or two in your BOB if there's room--you can always stuff one down your knickers if the worst comes to the burst, teehee.

Another thing that comes to mind--what about one of those small tools to escape from a car--you see them in specialty catalogues. Sure might help to break through virtually unbreakable glass if ever you need to (or sheetrock or something). If you're not familiar, let me know and I'll look for one--I know I've seen one in a catalogue in the last few days.

-- Anonymous, October 19, 2001

Hey Barefoot, it occurred to me a few weeks ago (after 9/11) that I should take the stairs some day just for the heck of it so I could experience how much stamina it would take. But it occurred to me that unless I was under pressure to get my fanny out of the building ASAP, it wouldn't be a good test. I have generally let myself get out of shape. I better at least do more walking to build that back up again.

-- Anonymous, October 19, 2001

Brooks,

Just remember it is way easier going down the stairs than back up.

If you really want to whip yourself into shape, take the stairs UP in the morning a couple times a week.

Don't blame me, cause I'm telling ya right now it'll be painful. But such a good pain.

apoc

-- Anonymous, October 19, 2001

OG, how does the tool you saw differ from a mini wonder bar?

-- Anonymous, October 19, 2001

"Just remember it is way easier going down the stairs than back up."

That's why I won't leave until I'm good and ready!

We had a false bomb threat a few days after 9/11. Someone in this building got confused about a bomb threat in a different building, word spread, and the tenants self-evacuated. I had gone down to the first floor to get some lunch. I could see that more people were leaving the building than should have, but since I wasn't prevented from taking the elevator back up, I gave it a try that I could get to my BOB (AND the keys to my car AND my wallet...)

-- Anonymous, October 19, 2001

I dunno, Meems, that might be what it is. I think I saw it in a Brookstone catalogue. I'll look for it after dinner.

-- Anonymous, October 19, 2001

If it is basically a Wonder Bar, they're under $5 at Wally World. I love going to Brookstone, though, when I'm in the Yuppie Mall. They have the most interesting items sometimes, like the thick foam- covered garden tools and the Swedish foam bed.

-- Anonymous, October 19, 2001

good grief! she can't bothered to go down the stairs and you're telling her to climb them?

You might, at this point anyway, consider sliding on the hand rail like Mary Poppins. LOL [she did it in both directions]

-- Anonymous, October 20, 2001