We are staying in the North Tower on the 20th floor of a major hotel in Toronto. Last night, at 2:30, the fire alarm sounded in the South Tower. We had the option to evacuate or wait and see since it wasn’t our structure that was effected. Hello? I watched those towers during 911 so we didn’t hesitate.
Note to self – elevators really don’t work when the alarm is going off. Another note – always know where the exit stairway is – if the hall is smoke-filled, that wouldn’t be the best time to study the map on the wall. So down the 20 flights plus two more to street level we went.
Everyone was orderly and there was no panic…but 22 flights is a LONG way. My husband has two artificial knees and they worked fine but it was slow going. We stopped every few floors to let people by us as he needed both handrails so was an effective road block. We were all in various stages of dress so that was fun.
After crossing the street and catching our breath, it turned out to be something minor and they let us back in shortly. We all clapped for the firemen.
We both are on Alieve this morning.
The moral of the story is not only know where the exit is in your hotel, be able to find it with your eyes closed or crawling on your knees…and maybe stay closer to the ground.
CVG
