New emergency notification signs with up-to-date information should be posted near the entrances to approximately 2,300 laboratories by November 12.
The signs -- known as green cards -- have been required by the Institute Committee on Safety since the 1970s. They are designed to provide emergency information for the Campus Police, the Cambridge Fire Department and MIT's Emergency Response Group.
"Any after-hours emergency may be dealt with more effectively if the occupants can be contacted quickly," said William McShea, assistant team leader of the Y2K Transition Team.
The cards contain information about building and room number, department, supervisor, date posted, and the names (including the supervisor) of persons who should be contacted in an emergency in the area. The cards are available through the Safety Office.
The new neon-green cards replace the lighter colored yellowish green cards that have been posted in the past. The neon card was developed by the Y2K Transition Team as part of its plan to improve the Institute's readiness for the New Year weekend.
"If your department has labs and/or shops that utilize the green card system, please review the information on those cards now," said Mr. McShea, who is also an assistant safety officer. "Fill in the new neon green card, making the appropriate changes. In particular, determine who will be available (on duty or on call) on New Year's weekend, and add that name and phone number on the specific line. Copy the updated card(s) for your department, lab or center, and send copies to the Safety Office in Rm E19-207 before November 12. Post the new neon green card."
A version of this article appeared in MIT Tech Talk on October 27, 1999.
