The University of Massachusetts Lowell employs a full-time Director of Life Safety & Emergency Preparedness and part-time Life Safety Specialist within the Office of Life Safety & Emergency Management. The Life Safety Systems Program coordinates code required inspection, testing, and maintenance of all fire protection systems to ensure all emergency generators, fire sprinkler systems, fire suppression systems, standpipes, fire pumps, fire alarms, and fire extinguishers provides high degrees of functional reliability . The Office of Life Safety & Emergency Management also provides educational programs on fire safety in the residence halls as requested.
Fire Drills
A fire drill will be conducted in your residence hall at least once per academic year to help you become familiar with evacuation procedures. Vacate immediately from the nearest exit. Lock your room as you leave to prevent theft of property. The University of Massachusetts Lowell insurance does not compensate for loss due to theft.
Smoke Alarms
A smoke alarm is mounted on the ceiling or wall in your room. Take the following precautions to ensure the safe operation of your smoke alarm:
- If your smoke alarm is working properly, the red light should be on. If the red light is not blinking, contact Residence Life staff immediately.
- Do not cover or obstruct your smoke detector in any way.
- Report any power outages that occur to your hall staff.
- If a smoke detector activates and there is no fire or smoke, notify your hall staff.
Fire Alarm Systems
The corridors of most residential campus buildings are equipped with system smoke detection, manual fire alarm pull stations and audible/visual notification appliances. Most residence halls also have automatic sprinkler systems which are tied to the buildings automatic fire alarm systems. These systems are connected to report directly to the UMass Lowell Police Dispatch Center and Lowell Fire Department Dispatch to assure prompt automated notification.
- For your safety, never tamper with these systems.
- False fire alarms are dangerous to residents and emergency personnel who must respond. False fire alarms are illegal and punishable by fines and/or imprisonment.
Fire Extinguishers
Fire extinguishers are located on each floor in each campus building and in some apartment. Use a portable fire extinguisher only if you have been trained to do so. Irresponsible use of a fire extinguisher can create a dangerous situation for other residents and could result in damage to personal property. Misuse of a fire extinguisher may result in disciplinary action.
Emergency Exit Systems
The emergency exit systems in the residence halls include emergency lighting, emergency exit signage, exit stairways, and approved exit door hardware. As a resident, you should acquaint yourself with all of the nearest exit routes from your living area. Please do not tamper with any of the emergency exit systems.