There’s Water in Them Thar Halls

By Sebastion Lury
Special to the Critic

New sprinklers in Arnold and Bayley residence halls increase safety of the buildings.

The Arnold and Bayley Residence Halls received new sprinkler systems over the summer.
The sprinkler systems were set in place due to other construction in the buildings. Resident Hall Director for Arnold-Bayley, Laura McNaughton, says that when additional construction was done to the halls, the fireproofing needed to be updated, hence the new sprinkler systems.
“It’s going to save lives,” McNaughton said. Due to time constraints, Arnold and Bayley were the only two dorms to receive the construction. However, that is likely to change over the course of time. McNaughton says that the goal is to eventually “put them in all the buildings in Stonehenge.” This is a promising idea, as the sprinklers offer better protection.
A popular rumor about the sprinkler system is that if one goes off, they all go off. However, Tom Archer, Director of Physical Plant, has set the record straight.
“In response to the question of a sprinkler head going off: it is just that one head discharging water,” Archer said. “The heads are set off by temperature or if someone physically damages them.”
There are still hazards involved. Because they can be set off by physical damage, it is strongly recommended that no one hang anything, including one’s self, from the sprinkler head or pipes.
This suggestion is for the safety of all. McNaughton warns that if you set one or more off, even by accident, the consequences could be severe.
“They’ll destroy people’s property,” McNaughton said. She also warns that possible punishments could include eviction, lawsuits (from the college, fellow students, or both), and also expulsion in extreme cases.
All in all, the residents in Arnold and Bayley should be grateful for the sprinkler systems and feel safer because of them. Residents should heed McNaughton’s advice: “Be responsible.”

Photo by Brian Howe