LAKEVIEW — Pretending there is a fire will get you burned.
At least that's the case for two Lake View High School students who pulled the fire alarm last Wednesday.
The alarm went off four times in one day last week, a week after another fire alarm-filled day. Two people 'fessed up to the deed, dean of students Steven Blair said at Lake View's Local School Council meeting.
Students were so annoyed by the interruptions that they were sending Blair anonymous tips about the students. Catching two of the students "made a big statement," Blair said.
"I think we're OK for now," he said.
Confidentiality rules prevent the school or Chicago Public Schools from confirming disciplinary action. According to the Student Code of Conduct, falsely activating the alarm is categorized as a "most seriously disruptive behavior." That means an automatic five-day suspension, with potential for up to 10 days worth of suspension at the principal's discretion.
The school is also adding updated covers to all the fire alarms, Blair said. New alarms are sensitive, and lifting the covers will set off am alarm in the school but not call emergency services.
Beyond class interruptions and waste of resources, safety can be a concern with false fire alarms — for the emergency service providers and the students. When false fire alarms were rampant in CPS in 2006, people raised concerns about students leaving or strangers entering during evacuations.
Lake View has a student body of more than 1,500 students.
"We're confident in the processes we have in place to keep students safe and secure," a CPS spokesman said, "including in situations where a large number of students have to leave and re-enter the school."
