This post is about a sad story. It’s the story of the BBC Cabin the day the fire marshal came to visit.
Bruce and Jay were friendly and clear. They have concerns about how quickly people could get out of the building in case of fire. They gave us a conditional permit, which ends April 1, 2012! After that, no one can sleep in the building until it’s amended to meet Vermont Life Safety Code.
How big of a deal can 8 violations really be? Apparently a big enough deal to cost $20-$30K (un-detailed estimate) – YIKES!
So I tell the board. They wisely came to the decision that now is not the time to upgrade the building as we hope to someday. We must stay focused on the pavilion project. We’re oh so close to beginning the fundraising effort for that. So, the vote is that we amend the building as simply as possible in the least expensive way we can.
For those of you who are wondering about these violations, here’s the first draft of a punch list:
Violation | Remedy | Notes |
1.No Egress window main floor bedrooms | Install 1 egress windows in each of four bd. rms. | Window to be 5.7 square feet |
2.Stairwells out of code | . upgrade wall material. install 20 min doors. install closure on door. upstairs build wall | . 4 stairwells. drywall. doors |
None | Add heating in loft | Need heating because of closure to lofts |
3.No exits in lofts | Install exit door in each sided (2 total) | Need exit stairway from floor to ground |
4.loft ceiling | Install sheetrock | |
5. inadequate Co2 detectors | Install hardwired Co2 with battery back-up | Run wires with smoke detect system |
6.No smoke detectors in basement | Install 2 smoke detectors in basement | Part of total smoke detect overhaul |
7. no emergency lighting | Install emergency lighting system | |
8. inadequate fire alarm system | Install new fire alarm system with communications | Clarify what communications system is |
None | Painting and other touchups related to construction | |
And so here we are. We MUST do the above if we want to use the building this summer in program. CAN YOU HELP US? HERE ARE A FEW WAYS TO HELP:
- Give money! Just the materials are going to cost over $10K (EDIT on 4/6/12 – materials will probably be closer to $30K!). Send a check or give online here and give to general operations or where needed most.
- Give time: we’ll need volunteers to do most of the work. Consider getting a small crew of experienced people together and come up for a weekend. A few experienced laborers can make a big dent in just two days. Call the office or email Brandon.
- Give material: perhaps you own or have influence in a supply chain that could get us sheet rock, lighting, paint, etc. If it’s in the above list, we need it.
And so the story of an old camp, that’s doing the best it can, continues.
Something very interesting to me is the fact that I had a two hour emotional cycle after the fire marshal’s visit. At first I was frustrated and annoyed. Then, humility kicked in. So often, when I receive correction, direction, instruction, if I am able to release my frustration, I begin to sense God at work.
God, join us in this endevor and in all of our endevors. I pray that you will bring the resources and people needed to acomplish this change and that it will not distract from the bigger things ahead.