Quick Guide to Building Security

• Card keys You must use a card key to enter the building after hours. Some doors will trigger an alarm automatically if opened. There are two types of alarm. One type (on the emergency exits) is loud screeching alarm. It will stop when you close the door. You must close the door within a few seconds to avoid permanent hearing damage. (Note: The Institute did not install these alarms and has no control over them. They were installed by the building owners.) The other type (on the front door) is a quiet beeping sound that calls the police if it's not deactivated within a few minutes. If you trigger this alarm accidentally, use the phone on the front desk and call one of the numbers printed on your card key to have the alarm deactivated.
• Access to third floor Your card key is also needed to reach the third floor. There is a doorbell at the top of the stairs if the receptionist isn't around.
• Doors The security doors to the laboratory areas and main office must be closed after hours and on weekends. If you prop the door open, it will send an alarm. Do not prop open the doors near the front or rear stairwells. This would allow intruders to enter the laboratory areas.
• Fire drills In the event of a fire alarm, third floor personnel are supposed to go to the far right (south) corner of the front parking lot. One of the secretaries is supposed to wear a bright orange vest during a fire drill so that people know where they're supposed to go. The fire alarm horns emit a high-pitched beeping over 100 decibels. It's recommended to wear hearing protection when leaving the building during a fire alarm to avoid hearing damage.
• Radioactive areas Some laboratories are posted with large yellow signs that say, "Caution Radioactive Materials" or "Caution Radiation Area." Food and drink are not permitted in these rooms.