Harvard freshmen have an unusual first night

Parents Forum
1

<p>What started as an electrical problem turned into an overnight issue on Saturday for a group of upperclassman and the entire class of 2012. </p>

<p>At around 8:20 p.m., a power surge in Harvard Yard led to an electrical overload in the Adams House C entry high tension room. The surge created an electrical fire in the Adams basement and disrupted power for both Adams and all freshman dorms, according to Adams House Master John G. “Sean” Palfrey '67, who was in touch with electricians and firemen arriving at the scene in the pouring rain. </p>

<p>First entryway meetings for all freshmen were abruptly thrown into darkness. “We freaked out for two seconds, then everyone took out their cell phone,” said Enrique Nava '12. </p>

<p>Though the electrical fire was quickly subdued, the power remained off, creating problems with power-related services like ID-card swiping, the emergency blue light system, and emergency alarms. Students were asked to leave the dorms for the night. </p>

<p>Around 9 p.m., Adams house residents were told by e-mail and word-of-mouth to exit the building immediately, and to go either spend the night in a friend’s room or in suites that unaffected Quincy House had opened for blackout refugees. </p>

<p>But it took the University longer to alert the freshman class – which was spread out at proctor meetings, in dark dorms, parents’ hotel rooms, and elsewhere in Harvard Square – that they’d have to spend the night elsewhere. </p>

<p>The message to evacuate Yard buildings traveled quickly, and word spread that freshmen should gather for a meeting in the Science Center. But it wasn’t until 12:20 a.m. that Dean of the College Evelynn M. Hammonds told freshmen that cots were set up the Malkin Athletic Center for those who needed it, and that the Science Center could act as a makeshift shelter for “as few of you as possible.” </p>

<p>[The</a> Harvard Crimson :: News :: Electrical Surge Empties Adams House and Yard Dorms](<a href=“http://www.thecrimson.com/article.aspx?ref=523979]The”>http://www.thecrimson.com/article.aspx?ref=523979)</p>

2

<p>And it apparently poured in Cambridge yesterday and last night. Hanna took a little swipe.
Nothing like a little excitement to start the year.</p>

3

<p>So what?</p>

<p>Because it is Harvard, you expect perfection?</p>

4

<p>How did they tell them by email if the power was off?</p>

5

<p>

Cell phone?</p>

<p>I’m sure it would’ve reached a few people that way.</p>

6

<p>Texting might have reached more.</p>

7

<p>Well, they did not have to be evacuated far, like the NOLA students. I understand they could eat for free in the Greenhouse Cafe.</p>

8

<p>I was talking on the phone with a Harvard freshman earlier this evening - apparently they had to stay in upperclassman housing for the night. MIT had no such problems, but it was pretty wet with the rain and everything :)</p>

9

<p>I really don’t think many freshman lost any sleep. We were there until just before the proctor’s meetings and the vibe throughout the Yard was very excited. Most of them were going to be up most of the night one way or the other just getting to know each other and taking in the shock of finally being there. </p>

<p>The weather was terribly hot and humid and occasionally rainy. So of course many fans were purchased in Cambridge. My D1 told us on the phone last night that it’s now a comfortable temperature and the fan is now stashed in the closet. Oh well - 30 bucks for a fan used for one night.</p>

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<p>mammall, the weather in the Boston area is highly variable, so she may still need to get the fan out.</p>

11

<p>Once at a parenting seminar I attended, someone asked, “What is the secret to strong families?”</p>

<p>The answer was, “Camping in the rain.”</p>

12

<p>Heh. Not in this family. I have a refrigerator magnet that shows a woman lying in a comfortable bed. The caption is: “I love not camping”.</p>

13

<p>My kind of magnet! We have a rather nice motorcoach and I’m a bit embarrassed when people ask if we’re going camping. If they only knew!</p>

14

<p>How did they tell them by email if the power was off?</p>

<p>Battery-powered laptops</p>