WELCOME BACK!!
We’ve had a very BUSY summer and I can’t wait to tell you about it. I think however that the most important element is our Life Safety upgrade so I’ll start with that.
The Sprinklers
Each and every room, closet and hallway has been appointed with new sprinkler heads.
When the temperature reaches 130 degrees, the sprinkler head breaks causing water to
Flow at about 70-90 gallons per minute. The average response time for the Cambridge Fire Department is 8-10 minutes which translates to between 550 to 900 gallons of water
at any location.
If a resident, through horseplay or negligence or even accidentally sets off a sprinkler head, the College takes the position that the individual causing the water damage will be held financially responsible for any damage to the building and the personal property of others.
Residents should be especially mindful of the above when engaging in any activities that
might result in activating this system. It isn’t just about water, its about a LOT of water in a very short period. This system was designed and put in place to keep you safe. Like any other source of power, it must be treated with respect.
Under no circumstances may anything be attached, hung from or propped against a sprinkler head. Sprinkler heads are VERY SENSITIVE and are easily set off by even a tiny amount of direct pressure. Water damage is a serious problem not only to personal property but it most certainly result in students being displaced from their rooms.
Pull Stations
The pull stations throughout the House have been equipped with protective covers to avoid accidental operation of the system. These covers (when lifted) will also emit a clearly audible alarm that will be heard by occupants. This primary alarm is local and will not initiate a response from the Fire Department.
Fire Doors
The new fire door locks emit a very loud alarm when the door is open. They can only be turned off with a key carried by the Building Manager and the guards. This primary alarm is local and will not initiate a response from the Fire Department, but everyone in your entryway will hear it, so please don’t try to open these doors.
If you wish to open a fire door between two suites on a permanent basis in order to expand into a larger suite, all residents on both sides of the fire door must request in writing that it be opened and the Building Manager can disarm the alarm.
Partitions
The new fire sprinklers are specifically engineered and licenses for the existing configuration of your suite; therefore, partitioning suites is not allowed. Building a partition could block the discharge of a sprinkler and allow a fire to start and grow in an unprotected section of the suite. If you build a partition, you will be asked to take it down immediately and term-billed for the cost of removal and related repairs.