Every Friday at nine o'clock sharp, we have a fire alarm test. Although the sound is very loud, it makes me happy because it reminds me that it's Friday—the last workday of the week—and the weekend is about to begin.
Sometimes we have a fire drill. When the alarm sounds, everyone must evacuate through the fire exit.
One Monday at nine o'clock, the alarm went off. I was working behind the fish counter and didn't hear it. The department manager and staff searched for me thoroughly. When they finally found me, they told me to stop working and evacuate with them.
"I'm busy. It's fine. You go; I'll keep working," I said.
"No. This is the law. Everyone must leave," the manager replied.
I realized that if I refused, they would have to carry me out. In the end, I had no choice but to go with them.
One afternoon, while I was working outside, the fire alarm suddenly sounded wildly. No one knew what was happening. Some people stood looking around, some asked questions, and others started running. I knew this wasn't a test or a drill; it must be real. At that moment, a woman called to me from a distance:
"Jinglebell! Leave your work and get out quickly!"
I joined the crowded flow of customers and staff heading for the exits. I asked someone what had happened and was told it was a real alarm because there was smoke on the shop floor.
Later, I found out there was actually no fire. An electrician using equipment on the carpet had produced a small amount of smoke.
Afterwards, I asked how the restaurant handled customers' food in such situations, since people had to evacuate before finishing their meals. I was told that customers could get a replacement meal or drink.
I don't quite understand this approach. In China, in a similar situation, people might grab a bucket or other container to fetch water and try to put out the fire themselves.
I appreciate the English emphasis on human life and safety. However, I wonder if a small problem might become a big one if everyone has withdrawn from the building and the firefighters cannot arrive immediately.
I was just thinking.