<p>Thanks to many who have posted your experiences. If I may, I would like to focus a little on how to deal with the madness. Even though some have exhibited high spirits, the fact is, life has been inconvenienced as a result.
The way I see it, the only logical reason Pitt issues mandatory evacuation religiously is they place their own job security and liability above the interests of students, faculty, and everyone impacted. If they follow common sense, they should just send alerts as FYI and conduct search while instructions are still allowed to take place.
Why?
–If there is bomb already in place at target facilities, evacuation, which funnels a crowd of human targets, will only help amplify the potential casualty.
–If bomb is planted and detonated after ENS alerts, under the watch of SWAT team, then we may as well resign to the fact that civil society is not capable of dealing with the terrorists. They can strike anytime, anywhere they wish, at Pitt or anywhere else.
–If there’s no bomb at all except for the vicious mind, evacuation and disruption of normal life plays to the hands of terrorists.
Then there is bag check and long lines as a result. I wonder if Pitt police truly believe in the effectiveness of that security measure. If they do, why do they still issue evacuation? If they don’t, common sense says stop what’s broken.
Madness aside, can common sense prevail???</p>