Fire Safety Whistle

Description: This fire warden's whistle and badge were recovered from the debris of the World Trade Center.

Context: Fire and emergency training is especially important in a high-rise building. In accordance with New York City Local Law 5, tenants of the World Trade Center were required to appoint safety teams for each floor they occupied. The Port Authority provided training and supplies, including a whistle, red cap, flashlight, and badge, for each floor warden. In addition, every tenant was required to participate in a fire drill at least once every six months.

By most accounts, the evacuation of the World Trade Center buildings was quick and orderly. According to newspaper reports, 99 percent of the people below the points of impact survived, and at the time of collapse, the stairways were reported largely clear of building occupants. For those above the impact zones or trapped in elevators, however, there was no escape.

Currently not on view