I am a freshman resident in McKean. Throughout February we had numerous fire alarms go off, either for a fire drill or false alarms. For us, these fire alarms are becoming a burden.

Working studiously on a Sunday night. I'm comfortable in boxers and a T-shirt, figuring my homework will be done in a couple hours -- then it happens. For a second I think the alarm might be real, even though the alarm has gone off about five times this month.

I put on sweats, sweatshirt and coat. My friends come into the room, swearing that they aren't going out in the "pleasant weather." We are now standing outside with about hundred upset people -- some wearing just shorts, T-shirt, and coat.

I spoke with the fire drill coordinator on my floor and the East Halls fire marshal. Apparently one fire drill is to be held each month between 5:30 and 10 p.m. I understand the need for dorm safety, but having fire drills at 10 p.m., which the marshal implied isn't late, is a bad idea. He also said the drills are scheduled by the Student Fire Service six weeks in advance, and can't be changed do to weather conditions. The only alternative he offered was if the weather was really bad, people in shorts could stand in the lobby.

Despite the problems with fire drills, the false alarms have also become a pain. I realize accidents happen and nobody should be blamed for about four false alarms McKean residents have encountered. What upsets me is the way the false alarms are handled.

About Feb. 19 an alarm went off because people were smoking in their room and those who exited the building spent about 15 minutes outside. The situation was only made worse when those in charge didn't come down and tell us on what happened.

Another problem: Some residents are responding to fire alarms by staying in their rooms. This action shows how much students have come to despise continuous fire alarms. Apparently this isn't only a problem of McKean Hall, but other dorms.

Although fires can start anywhere at any time, moving the time of fire drills to between 5:30 and 7:30 p.m., and being able to adjust the date to a week when the temperature isn't five degrees would be nice. In the event of a false alarm, students should be allowed in the lobby after they know the alarm is false or be briefed on the situation.

If something like this happens to you, contact your resident life fire marshal; if they receive enough complaints they might be able to convince the Student Fire Service to be more lenient. For problems with false alarms contact University Police.