X-Message-Number: 17537 Date: Thu, 13 Sep 2001 21:53:18 -0700 From: Mike Perry <> Subject: Re: Alcor's safety Several people have commented on the issue of relocating a cryonics facility to better deal with the possibility of terrorism and unrest in the new century, which may indeed prove to be a violent one, despite all hopes to the contrary. In the case of Alcor we have a facility now located in a metropolitan area which could put it at considerably more risk than if, for instance, it were out of town in the surrounding desert (though still in the open), or, going a big step further, in an abandoned missile site. One concern here would be the availability of liquid nitrogen or other necessary resources. A metro area will generally allow easier access, through more different routes, at least assuming it has not been put out of commission itself. To move to a rural area would, it seems, require some serious thought on massive bulk storage of LN2 and/or means of manufacturing it on site. The difficulties would increase if higher temperature storage were contemplated. Probably these problems are all addressable in principle, but, as usual, the limiting factor is money. Another thought is to attempt to have it both ways by moving to the outskirts of the city, a semi-rural environment but still with good access. It is also suggested that money that would be required for a landmark public facility like the Timeship would be better spent making a facility that is less conspicuous and more secure. I will say that I like the Timeship concept, and very much wish it *could* succeed; however, the difficulties seem formidable. If successful it could indeed sway world opinion toward immortalism, fostering progress and even saving many lives. But this is hardly guaranteed. The public could simply remain apathetic, meaning that the prodigious funding needed for the project would be largely wasted, even though the structure itself might not be threatened. Or it could become a target of violent religious or other extremists, who would see the things it stood for as an unacceptable challenge to their cherished beliefs. So I have mixed feelings on the Timeship project at this point, and am not a strong supporter; perhaps in a few years the outlook will be different. To return to Alcor's present facility, it has been pointed out that it might be especially vulnerable to fire or break-ins. The problem of security has long been of concern here, and one can expect that measures will be in effect which, for security reasons of their own, are not fully detailed to the public, though general indications will have been given. So the situation could seem more precarious than it is, at least where human malfeasance would be involved, and it is worthwhile to consult management and other sources in forming an opinion. To comment more specifically, "armor plating has been installed along one wall to replace and enhance the shielding formerly provided by the concrete vaults" (*Cryonics*, 1Q 2000, p. 43). This is not to deny, however, that security could be improved, and in particular, that ideas about moving to a new site are worth considering. Another point made is that the storage operation might be moved to a rural area while the suspension facility would stay in the city. This would certainly have advantages, and overall I favor it, though the presumed added cost could be an obstacle. Once again, money is the limiting factor. Mike Perry Alcor employee (and member), not speaking for my employer. Rate This Message: http://www.cryonet.org/cgi-bin/rate.cgi?msg=17537