By Nate Bloomquist
The college’s new alarm system failed its first test.
At 7:15 p.m. on Monday, April 9, the alarm went off for a weather warning, which indicated a tornado was in the area.
Students attending night classes were moved to the college’s basement. There was also a Phi Theta Kappa induction ceremony in the fireplace lounge. The event, was also moved to the basement, refreshments and all.
Students in building B didn’t hear the alarm as it was malfunctioning.
“I will be looking into that as soon as possible,” said college president Dr. Jean Goodnow. “We will be getting on it immediately. The safety of our students and staff is extremely important at IVCC.”
Also, the alarm continued to sound for some 30 minutes. According to an IVCC security guard, someone had to be called in to turn the alarm off.
Also, when the storm had passed, no all clear was given. Instead, a security guard notified those who were in the basement that it was clear. The alarm was installed during the fall semester.
“Some staff were not happy when we were testing (the alarm system) before,” said Goodnow. “Now we can see how imperative it is.”
The all clear was given by Goodnow at 8:45 p.m. The Oglesby police department didn’t officially give the college an all clear until 9:30 p.m.
Students, parents, and faculty members did a number of things to bide the time. One accounting class continued its work in the basement as if the alarms and commotion never happened. Others admired the new murals painted on the basement walls. And almost everyone helped themselves to the cake and other refreshments that were transported to the basement.
No one was injured.