On Thursday, May 20, 2010, about 3:30 PM, I was at Woodland Park Wal-Mart and suddenly an extremely high pitch and very very loud noise filled the store. First, it startled me and then it penetrated my ears for 30-45 seconds.

Two little children by me: about one and three years old started crying and their mother ran with them outside.

I froze and just stood there... When it was all over a voice came from the intercom that it was only a test of their fire alarm system. I do not know if every Wal-Mart uses the same fire alarm system so when someone else hears it at a different store, it may not be as severe.

Immediately after the test, my ears started to hurt... Then I had a headache all night into the next morning... The next day I had ringing in my right ear - never had one before! The test left me confused for about half an hour and I do not wish to experience it again.

While at the store, right after the test, I asked to speak to the manager Adam Linder who told me that this is how they do it. When I insisted that they should not do their testing with customers inside, the manager replied that it was my opinion and nothing indicated that he would change his procedure.

Therefore, I decided to take action for all the shoppers and also the employees who are subjected to this disturbing noise. At first, I had an informal conversation with Woodland Park Police Department Sgt. Jardon who also witnessed at least one of their tests.

There are many ways of looking at the testing situation. One is: No merchant would want to scare away the shoppers. Why then Wal-Mart would be so nonchalant about it...? Why there was no warning before the test as a way to give shoppers a chance to evacuate? Why not post warning signs at the entry so shoppers can wait until the test is completed? Why not publish their test schedule in the local newspaper so those who come from far away can choose their arrival time? Why not conduct tests in a down time such as 1 A.M. when almost no one is shopping? Why the test's pitch is this high while per Safeway manager Scott Rogers theirs is much lower and lasts only a second. Why then Wal-Mart blasts our ears for 30-45 seconds?

Any of these improvements in conducting the tests would show care and consideration.

Finally, most municipalities like Woodland Park have laws pertaining to noise. The Woodland Park, Colorado - Code of Ordinances, Title 9, ``Public Peace, Morals and Welfare, Chapter 9.41 titled ``Noise" states that ``It is unlawful for any person to make, continue, or cause or permit to be made or continued any excessive, unnecessary or unusually loud noise or any noise which either annoys, disturbs, injures or endangers the comfort, repose, health, peace or safety of others, within the limits of the city."

I think it works like this: If I should have a noisy party and my neighbors would not like it, they could, under the Chapter 9.41, "call the cops" who would come and ordered me to stop my noise. And it would be all over in a matter of a few minutes.

Following this thought, on May 25, I faxed a formal COMPLAINT (click here) to Sgt. Jardon with a copy to several officials. Our Mayor, Mr. Steve Randolph courteously assured me that he will stay appraised of the regulatory follow-up as it occurs and that our code enforcement and law enforcement officers are obliged to investigate my complaint and offer a formal response. Thank you!

So it seems that the Wal-Mart issue rests in good hands and I am looking forward to a successful resolution which would be a public statement from Wal-Mart. It's a public matter.

However, I have a feeling that because it is not you or I making the noise, but Wal-Mart, there may be other considerations. Therefore, I need anybody and everybody with ideas and support, and please do not hesitate to contact me at 719-686-7796.

There are people who developed hearing problems due to incidental or prolonged exposure to certain sounds. Therefore, the Wal-Mart testing could become a medical issue.

My mission is that no one else ever would experience what we did that day over two weeks ago and we can go back to our favorite Wal-Mart and shop with confidence and peace.

Eva

"Citizens for Woodland Park"

June 10, 2010

Woodland Park, Colorado