Working for the government, for a county, has its perks as wells as its risks. In the current economy, an obvious perk is being more insulated from lay offs and production issues as say, the retail-based companies. However, an obvious risk is that people are CRAZY, especially if you get involved with their land and see you infringing on their ownership rights. This blog is about the risks.
Last year, I experienced my first bomb scare here with the county. The building was evacuated and the streets of downtown Concord were closed off. Due to an ordinary brown box outside the front doors to the Governmental Center (my office building). The Bomb Squad was called in, etc., etc. (we evacuated to the county parking lot which is on the west side of the building, so I couldn't see what was going on--but Jeff didn't know what was going on and walked out the front. He got yelled at..."If you can see it, it can kill you!" Infamous now.). Since it was so late in the day, they ended up just letting everyone go on home.
The next incident was the Sun Drop Bottling Co. shooting at the bottom of the hill, where 2 people were killed. This incident involved a manhunt. Our building was on lockdown; the only way to get in or out of departments/offices was with your ID or if someone let you in. Again, my first experience with a lockdown. It was a bit scary..especially when our department gets a lot of public foot traffic. I remember being home and hearing about the manhunt on the Raleigh news...This leads me to today.
Today started out like any other. I arrived at work, got organized and then went down the hall to the restroom. It never fails..by the time I get to work, my bladder wants to explode. So, I push the door open and see a large black container under the sink. Initially, I thought.."Hmm, that's weird. Somone left their music case behind," and closed the stall door. Then I thought, "What if it's..?" Then, "But what if it isn't and I make a big deal out of nothing?" So after I finished my business, I stooped down and checked it out. There was no handle, so I knew it wasn't a music case or a briefcase of any kind. I listened..didn't hear any ticking. Then..I picked it up. It was pretty light, so I tilted it and looked at the bottom where I saw....an opening. It was a trashcan. I assumed it was the liner to the wall, metal trashcan (that they've been trying to deter us from using). Satisfied, I washed my hands and left, not thinking much else of it.
Well, apparently, one of the gals in Finance went to the bathroom and noticed the black box but didn't get as curious as I did. She instead called the Safety & Risk Manager who then ordered the evacuation. We went to the lot where the non-spot paying employees park and waited. I was clueless & thought it was a drill. At least I had enough sense to grab my phone and coat, because it was chilly! Since it was taking awhile, we then walked to the sheriff's building and congregated in the visitation room for..the next 2 1/2 HOURS. The Bomb Squad came, with the K-9 unit. They went in and came out. Then went in with the green, HAZMAT suit on. Then the team went in a 2nd time, to determine there was no threat. Almost 3 hours of nothing...It was horrible. I had told a few co-workers when we were being evacuated that I hoped it wasn't over the trashcan in the bathroom and kind of laughed it off. Turns out, IT WAS. My co-worker talked to someone in Finance who confirmed it was in fact the same "black box" I saw that has spawned this debacle. So, the bomb threat was a false alarm and now we've moved on with our day. ...Except Jeff keeps asking me to take a look at a suspicious package under his desk..his little black trashcan turned upside down; and I heard one of the cleaning ladies is getting some flack for it.
You can take it in a couple of ways...She was suspicious and instead of taking the risk, she went through the proper channels for reporting suspicious package/item..Better safe than sorry. On the other hand, I put two-and-two together, was curious & suspicious but was able to determine there was no threat and no reason to panic anyone.....And, I need to remember whenever we are evacuated to take my purse(!) in case it is not a drill. Sheesh!
