PRECAUTIONS AGAINST FIRE

The Corporation has recently voted to take measures for reducing the danger from fire in the Yard, and to this end it has been decided to make extensive additions to the apparatus at present available, and to institute a number of other improvements, the total cost of which will be over two thousand dollars. A six-inch water main will be run from Kirkland street to Massachusetts avenue, along the line of Stoughton, Hollis, and Matthews. To this will be attached three hydrants, the first of which will be placed opposite Holden Chapel, the second opposite Harvard Hall, and the third in front of Matthews. Two hose carts, each carrying 300 feet of two and one-half inch fire hose, will be placed in an accessible place in the basement of either University Hall or Weld Hall. At present there is a main connected with three hydrants, extending from the Fogg Museum past the east side of University Hall to Boylston Hall, as well as nine hydrants encircling the Yard just outside of its limits. When the installation of the new hydrants is completed every building in the Yard, with the exception of the Fogg Museum and Robinson Hall, will be within easy reach of at least three hydrants and Fogg Museum and Robinson Hall within range of two.

A keyless fire alarm box, connecting with the Cambridge fire department will be placed on the east side of University Hall, an automatic bell in the box giving notice to persons in the immediate vicinity. The cards indicating where fire apparatus is stored, and stating the location of alarm boxes in and near the property of the University, are being revised and will soon be posted in conspicuous places.

In addition to these improvements, thirty-five improved Babcock chemical extinguishers will be installed in the halls of College buildings as well as a few in the dormitories. If it is found that they are not unnecessarily disturbed, over seventy-five more will be distributed throughout the dormitories.

A new style of rope fire-escape has been placed in all rooms of Yard dormitories above the second floor, and all have been thoroughly tested. Some further precautions have also been taken in regard to the storage of inflammable rubbish.