July 2, 2001

Hotel Fire Escape

I'm hanging out for a few days in Incheon, Korea. I'm staying at a decent hotel. I judge rooms by whether or not they have a fully stocked minifridge. This place does, so it gives you a feel for it. (Not that I'm using, just that it's offered.) The first thing I noticed when I entered my room was a contraption hanging by the window. I'm on the eighth floor. This thing was sort of a harness attached to a mountaineering rope bolted into the wall. It was the fire emergency escape plan for the hotel. In case of fire, I'm supposed to get into the harness and throw myself from my eighth floor window! I looked out the window, and the thought of launching from here does not look that appealing. I suppose I'm really supposed to repel down the side of the building. I wonder if anyone has actually used this device? Will the rope reach all the way to the ground or will I be hanging by the third floor? I'm not sure if I could instantly learn climbing techniques under the duress of fire emergency -- maybe I should practice a bit first. Wouldn't fire burn the rope? I think I see some minor glitches in the Royal Hotel's evacuation plan, although I am encouraged that they have thought of their guests and feel they are an adventurous lot. The thought of dozens of guests -- middle-aged Korean couples and me -- dangling from these harnesses sort of cracks me up...

Home