Early this morning, I was awakened by the sound of an alarm going off outside. I recently moved into a new apartment, and didn't know what was going on.
In my groggy state, I assumed that it was a car alarm, and hoped that it would shut off after a minute.
Five minutes later, the alarm was still sounding, and I realized that a quick bathroom break was required.
After business was taken care of, I noted that the alarm was still going off. It's been at least 10 minutes since the alarm first sounded, and that's assuming that I woke up relatively quickly.
I walk out onto my deck, and try to figure out where the alarm is coming from. It seems to be coming from a building down the road a bit. I can't really tell. I check the time. It's 3:45 AM.
I debated about whether to call 911 or the police station. Then I realized that I don't even know if 911 exists in this town. Plus, if the alarm is that important, there's bound to be some automated system that calls the police, right?
Yeah, keep in mind that I'm still groggy with sleep.
I dial directory assistance, and ask for the local police station. I get directly connected. The phone rings for awhile, and then my cellphone just gives up and hangs up. I directly call the number directory assistance gave me. After it rings for awhile, I realize that the alarm has finally stopped.
I go back to bed. About 5 minutes later, a fire engine shows up with sirens and flashing lights. I watch from afar and see flashlights illuminate parts of the building. I finally fall back asleep.
Cliffs:
Alarm sounds in the early early morning.
I wake up, debate on whether to call 911.
Fire Engine finally shows up around 20-30 minutes after the alarm goes off.
Moral: Do not live in Franklin, Wisconsin if you want a quick emergency response.
So should I have called 911 right away? Do any of our resident AT police officers care to comment?
In my groggy state, I assumed that it was a car alarm, and hoped that it would shut off after a minute.
Five minutes later, the alarm was still sounding, and I realized that a quick bathroom break was required.
After business was taken care of, I noted that the alarm was still going off. It's been at least 10 minutes since the alarm first sounded, and that's assuming that I woke up relatively quickly.
I walk out onto my deck, and try to figure out where the alarm is coming from. It seems to be coming from a building down the road a bit. I can't really tell. I check the time. It's 3:45 AM.
I debated about whether to call 911 or the police station. Then I realized that I don't even know if 911 exists in this town. Plus, if the alarm is that important, there's bound to be some automated system that calls the police, right?
Yeah, keep in mind that I'm still groggy with sleep.
I dial directory assistance, and ask for the local police station. I get directly connected. The phone rings for awhile, and then my cellphone just gives up and hangs up. I directly call the number directory assistance gave me. After it rings for awhile, I realize that the alarm has finally stopped.
I go back to bed. About 5 minutes later, a fire engine shows up with sirens and flashing lights. I watch from afar and see flashlights illuminate parts of the building. I finally fall back asleep.
Cliffs:
Alarm sounds in the early early morning.
I wake up, debate on whether to call 911.
Fire Engine finally shows up around 20-30 minutes after the alarm goes off.
Moral: Do not live in Franklin, Wisconsin if you want a quick emergency response.
So should I have called 911 right away? Do any of our resident AT police officers care to comment?
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