2021 Annual Fire Safety Report

Published September 2022

Table of Contents

• Fire Safety Reporting Overview
• 2021 On Campus Residential Fire Incidents
• 2020 On Campus Residential Fire Incidents
• 2019 On Campus Residential Fire Incidents
• Residence Hall Fire Safety Policies, Procedures and Guidelines
• Fire Protection Information
• What to do in Case of Fire
• Emergency Plans for Students With Disabilities
• Fire & Life Safety Programs
• Fire Protection Upgrades and Planning
• Fire Protection Systems On-Campus Housing

The Department of Administrative Services, Office of Life Safety & Emergency Management, publishes this annual report to comply with the reporting requirements contained in Section 485 of the Higher Education Opportunity Act (P.L. 110-315) of 2008, Campus Fire Safety Right-to-Know for the University of Massachusetts Lowell.

The federal Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008 includes provisions known as the Campus Fire Safety Right-to-Know Act. These provisions require colleges and universities to report fire safety information to the U.S. Department of Education, and to make annual fire safety reports available to the public and the campus community. These reports must include:

• The number of fires and the cause of each fire.
• The number of injuries and deaths related to a fire.
• The value of property damage caused by a fire.
• The number of regular mandatory, supervised fire drills; policies or rules on portable electrical appliances; procedures for evacuation; policies or rules regarding fire safety education and training programs provided to students, faculty, and staff; and plans for future improvements in fire safety.
• Descriptions of fire protection equipment (fire alarms/sprinklers) in each on-campus housing unit.

The annual fire safety report will provide information such as statistics on fire related incidents and/or injuries that have occurred in residence halls, descriptions of each residence hall’s fire safety system, and the number of fire evacuation drills performed. Also included are University of Massachusetts Lowell Residential Life fire safety policies and procedures and plans for future residence hall fire safety improvements. This report is available through the Office of Life Safety & Emergency Management website.

• University of Massachusetts-Lowell Emergency Management Plan (pdf)

The Annual Fire Safety Report, is published separately from the University of Massachusetts Lowell Annual Security Report which is published by The UMass Lowell Police Department and available through their website.

Additional information can be obtained by contacting the Office of Life Safety & Emergency Management at: 978-934-2618, or by emailing: EmergencyPreparedness@uml.edu.

2021

(A fire incident is defined as any instance of open flame or other burning in a place not intended to contain the burning or in an uncontrolled manner.)

Name / Address	Number of Fires	Date / Time	Cause of Fire	Number of Injuries	Number of Deaths	Value of Property Damage Caused by Fire
Concordia Hall, 6 Solomont Way	-	-	-	-	-	-
Sheehy Hall, 4 Solomont Way	-	-	-	-	-	-
Riverview Suites, 1291 Middlesex St.	-	-	-	-	-	-
1301 Middlesex St.1	-	-	-	-	-	-
Bourgeois Hall, 71 Pawtucket St.	-	-	-	-	-	-
Donahue Hall, 91 Pawtucket St.	1	10/1/2021 - 11:27 a.m.	Unintentional-Microwave fire with no extension	0	0	$100-999
Fox Hall, 100 Pawtucket St.	-	-	-	-	-	-
Leitch Hall, 111 Pawtucket St.	-	-	-	-	-	-
University Suites, 327 Aiken St.	-	-	-	-	-	-
725 Merrimack St.1	-	-	-	-	-	-
Inn & Conference Center, 50 Warren St.	-	-	-	-	-	-
Riverhawk Village, 39 Perkins St.	1	2/11/2021 - 12:17 p.m.	Unintentional- Cooking Fire Stovetop no extension	0	0	$100-999
Riverhawk Village, 61 Perkins St.	-	-	-	-	-	-
Riverhawk Village, 77 Perkins St.	-	-	-	-	-	-
Riverhawk Village, 5-21 Lawrence Dr.	-	-	-	-	-	-

1 - Buildings discontinued as Resident Halls end of Spring 2020.

2020

(A fire incident is defined as any instance of open flame or other burning in a place not intended to contain the burning or in an uncontrolled manner.)

Name / Address	Number of Fires	Date / Time	Cause of Fire	Number of Injuries	Number of Deaths	Value of Property Damage Caused by Fire
Concordia Hall, 6 Solomont Way	0	-	-	-	-	-
Sheehy Hall, 4 Solomont Way	0	-	-	-	-	-
Riverview Suites, 1291 Middlesex St.	0	-	-	-	-	-
1301 Middlesex St.2	0	-	-	-	-	-
Bourgeois Hall, 71 Pawtucket St.	0	-	-	-	-	-
Donahue Hall, 91 Pawtucket St.	0	-	-	-	-	-
Fox Hall, 100 Pawtucket St.	1	3/7/2020 - 11:20 a.m.	Unintentional - Cooking Fire no extension	0	0	$1,000-9,999
Leitch Hall, 111 Pawtucket St.	1	9/30/2020 - 11:33 a.m.	Unintentional- Dryer Fire no extension	0	0	$1,000-9,999
University Suites, 327 Aiken St.	1	2/13/2020 - 10:13 p.m.	Intentional- A small piece of fabric set on fire in a stairway	0	0	$100-999
University Commons, 500 Moody St.1	0	-	-	-	-	-
725 Merrimack St.2	0	-	-	-	-	-
Inn & Conference Center, 50 Warren St.	0	-	-	-	-	-
Riverhawk Village, 39 Perkins St.	1	9/2/2020 - 6:27 p.m.	Unintentional- Cooking Fire Stovetop no extension	1	0	$0-99
Riverhawk Village, 61 Perkins St.	0	-	-	-	-	-
Riverhawk Village, 77 Perkins St.	0	-	-	-	-	-
Riverhawk Village, 5-21 Lawrence Dr.	0	-	-	-	-	-

¹ - Buildings discontinued as Resident Halls end of Spring 2018.

² - Buildings discontinued as Resident Halls end of Spring 2020.

2019

(A fire incident is defined as any instance of open flame or other burning in a place not intended to contain the burning or in an uncontrolled manner.)

Name / Address	Number of Fires	Date / Time	Cause of Fire	Number of Injuries	Number of Deaths	Value of Property Damage Caused by Fire
Concordia Hall, 6 Solomont Way	0	-	-	-	-	-
Sheehy Hall, 4 Solomont Way	0	-	-	-	-	-
Riverview Suites, 1291 Middlesex St.	0	-	-	-	-	-
1301 Middlesex St.	0	-	-	-	-	-
Bourgeois Hall, 71 Pawtucket St.	0	-	-	-	-	-
Donahue Hall, 91 Pawtucket St.	1	4/9/2019 - 2:10 a.m.	Unintentional- Electrical outlet fire at security desk due to space heater	0	0	$0-99
Fox Hall, 100 Pawtucket St.	1	11/16/2019 - 1:01 p.m.	Unintentional- Cooking Fire on stove no extension	0	0	$0-99
Leitch Hall, 111 Pawtucket St.	0	-	-	-	-	-
University Suites, 327 Aiken St.	0	-	-	-	-	-
University Commons, 500 Moody St.1	0	-	-	-	-	-
725 Merrimack St.	0	-	-	-	-	-
Inn & Conference Center, 50 Warren St.	0	-	-	-	-	-
Riverhawk Village, 39 Perkins St.	1	9/10/2019 - 10:25 a.m.	Unintentional- Cooking Fire in Microwave no extension	0	0	$0-99
Riverhawk Village, 61 Perkins St.	0	-	-	-	-	-
Riverhawk Village, 77 Perkins St.	0	-	-	-	-	-
Riverhawk Village, 5-21 Lawrence Dr.	0	-	-	-	-	-

¹ - Buildings discontinued as Resident Halls end of Spring 2018.

For further information in regards to the Office of Residence Life please review The Office of Residence Life Information and Guidelines (pdf).

Specific fire safety policies include the following:

Health and Safety Inspections

• Safe and Healthy Living Conditions: In addition to the room inspection and inventory conducted prior to occupancy and upon your departure from your room, the Residence Life staff conducts periodic room checks during the course of each semester to make sure that safety rules and regulations are being followed. During these inspections, the staff will also insure that prohibited items, such as candles or common area (lobby) furniture, are not present; such items will be removed from the room. When possible, residents will be informed in advance of room inspections. Notification of entering a room will only be emailed to the residents if the residents fail the first inspection.
  
  
• Inventory Status: If, during the course of your semester on campus, you should experience a change in the status of your room inventory (furniture stolen, damaged, broken, etc.), it is important that you notify your RA or AC/RD as soon as you possibly can. The benefits of early notification are that the item will be fixed and you will have the opportunity to explain what happened and avoid confusion. Whoever is responsible for the damage or lost inventory will be held accountable and billed accordingly. Residents are responsible for all the furniture in their room/suite. All furniture must remain in the designated area and cannot be stored.
  
  
• Room Entry:
  • Reasons/Authorization— Residence Life Staff, University Police and other University designees may enter a residence hall room at any time for the purpose of health, safety, and/or maintenance (emergency or student requested). In addition, the University reserves the right to enter a room when state, local or federal laws and/or the UMass Lowell Student Conduct Code or Residence Life Conduct Code, as related to the safety and well being of a resident or community member, are suspected of being violated. Whenever possible, the University will attempt to provide the assigned resident with advance notice. Feel free to consult the staff with any questions you may have concerning the results of the inspections or the process.
  • Notification — As with Health and Safety Inspections, if room entry should occur, notification will be left for the residents of the room.

Safety, Health and Well Being

• Safe conditions: No student shall create a safety or health hazard or nuisance in any residence hall. Examples of prohibited behavior include, but are not limited to: the possession or use of fog machines, excessive accumulation of garbage or filth in rooms, suites, hallways or lounges; changes in electrical wiring; lofts; homemade beds, water beds, or other unapproved constructions; additional items or acts as may be prohibited by the Director of Residence Life. The maximum occupancy for any residential area shall not exceed two guests per resident living in the room.
• Personal safety: No student shall knowingly create a condition, which unnecessarily endangers or threatens the safety or wellbeing of themselves, any student, persons or property on the University campus including propping doors or emergency exits, “pennyin” occupants, preventing a door from closing or locking properly, as well as circumventing security procedures (i.e. entering or exiting through a window or an alarmed door).
• Windows and Roofs: No individual shall open, remove or damage screens or windows from any residence hall, nor attach any objects to the outside of the window/sill or roof; this includes cable wires, mini-satellite dishes, amplifiers, etc. No student shall throw, drop, project, or excrete any objects or liquids from any window or roof areas. Students and guests are prohibited from all roof areas, or from entering or exiting persons or belongings through windows. Violation of this guideline may result in removal from housing as well as a referral to the University Campus Conduct Process.
• Fire Safety: No student shall refuse to observe any safety regulations or procedure and are required to evacuate during all fire alarms. No student shall cover, tamper with or otherwise misuse or endanger the proper functioning of smoke detectors, exit signs, fire extinguishers, fire safety systems, fire doors or other safety equipment on the campus. Tapestries, banners, flags, holiday lights, sheets, etc. may not be hung over light fixtures, smoke detectors, doorways, ceilings or sprinkler heads and pipes. The possession or use of fog machines is prohibited. Soldering, welding, or any open flame is prohibited in the residence hall. Halogen and “octopus” lamps are prohibited from the residence halls. Power strips and electrical sockets must not have more than one continuous extension cord plugged into it (multiple extension cords cannot be connected to each other). Extension cords should not be run underneath carpeting. Live holiday trees, laurel roping, and wreaths are not permitted in the residence halls. Students are not permitted to use electrical closets as storage space. Students found in violation of this guideline may be charged with a felony by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Violation of this guideline may result in removal from housing as well as a referral to the University Campus Conduct Process.
• Candles, Incense and Potpourri: Incense, candles, potpourri, and oil burners with open flames or coils may not be burned in the residence halls. No candles, including decorative candles are permitted. Candles will be confiscated immediately and discarded if not claimed from the Area Coordinator/Resident Director within 72 hours.
• Appliances: Cooking appliances are prohibited in all residence hall bedrooms, suites and common areas, with the exception of specifically designated locations (Fox Kitchens, University Suites Kitchens, River Hawk Village Kitchens, Riverview Suites Room Kitchens, etc). Possession and use of prohibited appliances is a violation of the conduct code
• Misuse of elevators: No student shall overload, jam, jump in, or in any way misuse, damage or create an unsafe condition in any elevator in the residence halls. Vandalism to elevators will result in disciplinary action and restitution.
• Smoking: As of August 25, 2014, all campus property is smoke- and tobacco-free. To assist in the implementation of the policy, signage is now posted throughout campus reading “Share Fresh Air. Welcome to our smoke- and tobacco-free campus.”
• Sports and Activities: Use of sports equipment including but not limited to bicycles, metal tipped darts, skate boards, and roller blades are prohibited in the residence halls. Physical activities including wrestling, martial arts demonstrations, and sports games are prohibited in the residence halls. Students and guests should don recreational equipment (i.e. roller blades) outside of, or in the foyer of their buildings. The use of water guns and water balloons is prohibited in the residence halls.
• Bicycles and Motorcycles: Bicycles may not be stored in public areas such as hallways or stairwells unless stored in a designated area. Bicycles may be stored in designated storage areas, as well as student bedrooms or suite living rooms within the residence hall or outside the building. Bicycles may not be hung on walls or ceilings. All motor vehicles (including motorcycles and motorized scooters) may only be parked in parking lots. Fuel and fuel storage tanks are not permitted in the residence hall for any reason. All motor vehicles must be registered. Bicycles need to be removed / taken home, at the end of the academic year; bicycles not removed will be considered abandoned and will be disposed. Refer to the UCAPS website.

Additional Prohibited Items:

In addition to the cooking items listed above, the items below are not permitted in the residence halls or apartments. Possession of these items is a violation of the Residence Life polices and will result in disciplinary action.

Prohibited items include:

• Cooking appliances such as a hot plate, griddle, toaster (unless in apartments), deep fryer or any other appliance with an open coil, and George Forman Grills
• Pets other than fish in a ten gallon tank (or smaller). Dimension: 20 length x 10 width x 12 height
• Candles (even if unlit), incense and/ or incense burners are not permitted
• Space Heaters
• Air conditioners (except with medical permission documented and approved by the Office of Residence Life)
• Excessively loud speakers and amplifiers
• Personal Furniture
  • Sofa, mattresses (unless approved for medical reasons and documented and approved by the Office of Residence Life), Desk, Wardrobe, upholstered furniture, etc.
• Drug paraphernalia of any sort, EVEN if it is considered decorative
• Cinder Blocks
• Decorative bottles or other alcohol paraphernalia in resident’s room under 21 years old (such as bottle caps or six pack cardboard boxes)
• Weapons/firearms/knives
• Recreational: Dart Boards, Hover boards, nerf / guns, and slingshots.
• Large scale and potentially dangerous sporting equipment (track and field equipment or paintball guns, etc.)
  • Arrangements should be made for storage off campus. Please contact Athletics, your coach, or the Office of Recreation Services / Club Sports Coordinator for assistance
• Halogen lamps & Octopus lamps
• Wireless routers
• Using and/or possessing shisha, hookah, or similar pipes in the residence halls
  • These pipes involve the burning of smoldering ashes, which present a fire hazard.
• Items hanging from the ceiling
• Vaping device usage is prohibited inside the residence hall
• Holiday lights should not go across the ceiling (against the wall is acceptable)
• Tapestries or any material used as a canopy or wall decoration- cannot cover more than 25% of wall space
• Lava lamps
• Hover boards, self-balancing scooters, battery-operated scooters and hands-free Segways are banned on all University properties.
• Grills
• Fireworks or explosives
• Gasoline and other flammable liquids
• Gas-Powered equipment
• Lava lamps
• Highly combustible materials
• Lighted smoking materials
• Noxious chemicals
• Smoke / fog machines

• Guest Sign-In Locations & Hours: In the lobby of each residence hall there is a security desk that is staffed every evening from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. Our student Security Staff sits at the front desk of each residence hall beginning at 7 p.m. each evening. At 11 p.m. Campus Security Officers (CSO) take over and provide security until 6 a.m..
• Guest Sign-in Process: In order to ensure the safety and security of our students, it is necessary that we strictly enforce our guest sign in process. Every individual is required to present valid, picture identification at the desk when they enter the building. This includes residents of the building. All non-resident guests, including residents of other buildings, must follow the guest sign-in policy. This guest policy is valid for those guests who enter the building prior to 7 p.m. and must follow the same guest procedures. All guests will receive a dated guest pass or electronic approval (depending on building). These guest passes are only good for the building and date issued. Guests must have this identification on their person at all times. Their host must escort them at all times while in the building.
  • University Resident students: When you enter your own building you are required to show your ID to the Security Officer and then swipe your University ID across a verification reader to prove that you are indeed a resident of that building. Students who are visiting from another building will have to show and swipe their ID, sign in, and have a “host” from within the building to escort them and take responsibility for them.
  • University Non-Resident Students: Students must present their University ID at the desk, sign in, and have a host from within the building escort them and take responsibility for their actions.
  • Non-University guests: All non-University guests must present their valid picture identification at the desk, complete a guest pass in person or online (which you must carry at all times), and have their host escort them and take responsibility for their actions. Valid picture identification is limited to a drivers’ license, state identification card, military identification card, or a passport.
  • Age: Guests under the age of 17, with a valid ID, are only permitted to be in the building until 11pm when they must leave. Special permission for under 17 overnight guests can only be obtained from the Area Coordinator or Resident Director of the building at least 48 hours in advance (2 business days). The Area Coordinator or Resident Director may ask for parental/guardian permission and contact information so please be prepared and plan ahead.
  • Responsibility of Host: Hosts are ultimately responsible for the actions of their guests and we do hold the guest accountable for the Conduct Code and all University policies. Failure to follow the guest procedure or any University policy can result in a guest losing his or her privilege of visiting anyone on the University campus. All University students will be held to the standards set for behavior on campus and will be adjudicated with due process through the University disciplinary process for failure to follow policy and conduct unbecoming to a University of Massachusetts Lowell student. When a resident has a guest, they assume full responsibility for the conduct of that guest even if they are separated in the building. The host is subject to disciplinary action as a result of their guest’s behavior. Host is defined as the student signing the guest into the room, and/or the student in the presence of the guest.
• Guests and Alcohol: As noted above, valid, picture identification and proof of age is required for permission to drink alcohol in the residence halls and only in the room of a resident who is at least 21 years of age. No guest is allowed to transport alcohol into any of the buildings, only a host (building resident), at least 21 years old, may bring alcohol into the building. Please review the complete text of the alcohol policy in the Student Conduct Code.
  • Intoxicated Guests: Residents may be restricted from signing in a guest if University Police or the Residence Life Staff determines, or the guest appears to be under the influence of alcohol or other drugs. Parents or guardians may be called to transport the guest.

The University of Massachusetts Lowell employs a full-time Executive 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. All 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 apartments. 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.

If you discover a fire:

• Close the door to the fire area
• Activate the building fire alarm system on your way out the exit door
• Call 4-4911 (978-934-4911) and report the exact fire location
• Report information regarding location of the fire to Residence Life Staff once clear the building
• Stay clear of the building and await further instructions

If you are in a fire area:

• Stay calm
• Feel closed door from top to bottom for heat, using the back of your hand. Do not open if hot to touch
• Crouch low and open the door slowly
• If safe, go into the hallway and close the door behind you.
• Activate the building fire alarm system
• Go to the nearest stairway and leave the building in a prompt and orderly manner.
  If the stairway is full of smoke, go to another stairway.

If you are trapped by a fire:

• Do not panic.
• Pack the space under the door with wet towels, clothing, or other material.
• Dial 4-4911 (978-934-4911) and report exact your location.
• Go to a window, open it, wave a white or brightly colored cloth from it, and call to any people below.
• Do not break windows unless smoke is pouring into your room and you need fresh air to breathe.
• Stay near the window where you can be seen. Do not hide under the bed or in the closet.
• If you cannot get to a window, go to an inside corner of the room, curl up on the floor, and protect your face with a wet cloth. Stay calm, breathe slowly, and call out for help when you hear rescue personnel in the hallway.

For Apartment Residents

If you have a fire in your kitchen or kitchenette:

• Should a stovetop cooking fire occur, use an ABC fire extinguisher, baking soda, or a lid to extinguish the fire if trained to do so. If the fire has spread beyond the cooking container on the stove-top, get out immediately and call 44-911 (978-934-4911).
• Never use flour or water to extinguish a cooking fire. Flour is combustible and water can spread fire.
• A fire extinguisher is located in some apartment kitchens. Do not relocate the fire extinguisher and only use it in the event of a fire. If the extinguisher is used to extinguish a kitchen fire, immediately notify the Residence Life Office and it will be replaced. The University inspects fire extinguishers at least once a year, but you should periodically inspect the gauge to be certain the fire extinguisher is properly charged. If the needle indicates that it is undercharged or overcharged, call the Residence Life Office for a replacement.

When cooking:

• Never leave food cooking unattended
• Keep the stove area free of combustible objects such as dishtowels, potholders, decorations or boxes
• Keep pan handles turned inwards so they are not accidentally bumped

If you are in a fire area:

• Stay calm
• Feel closed door from top to bottom for heat, using the back of your hand. Do not open if hot to touch
• Crouch low and open the door slowly
• If safe, go into the hallway and close the door behind you.
• Activate the building fire alarm system
• Go to the nearest stairway and leave the building in a prompt and orderly manner. If the stairway is full of smoke, go to another stairway.

At the beginning of each semester, Residential Life provides a list of all students residing in each on campus residential buildings with physical disabilities to the Office of Life Safety & Emergency Management. A list containing the location of all physically disabled residents is placed in the Fire Department Command Center in the building or the Fire Department Key box to provide immediate notification to responders. Through the Office of Disability Services, a Personal Evacuation Plan can be requested and developed on a case by case basis.

In addition, physically challenged individuals are instructed to take the follow action in the event a weather, security, or fire emergency alarm has been indicated.

1. If at the time of the alarm activation the resident is in their own suite, they should return to the bedroom , keeping both suite and bedroom doors shut.
   • Use the telephone to notify University Police, by calling 44-911 (978-934-4911) of your room number and location, and
   • Activate the switch shown in the image along with this text (If your room is equipped), which also alerts responders to your location and you are remaining in your room.
2. If at the time of the alarm activation the resident is in a common area (corridor, washroom, lounge, etc.) of a residence hall, they should proceed to the nearest stairwell landing and have other residents exiting the building notify the fire officials and the staff of their exact location.
3. Residents responsible for guests must direct individuals to the nearest stairwell and have other residents exiting the building, notify fire officials and staff of their exact location.

Fire & Life Safety Programs

Fire Evacuation Drills

• Once each year the Office of Life Safety & Emergency Management coordinates with Residence Life Staff and conducts fire drills within each residence hall, with 13 fire drills conducted in 2021. The purpose of these drills is to assure that all residents know the sound of the fire alarm, know their exit routes and that their prompt evacuation is expected. These unannounced drills are timed and monitored by office for effectiveness. Observed problems or unusual conditions are reported to staff for follow-up and correction. Residence Hall staff are present and assist with fire safety messages presented to residents at the conclusion of each drill.

Life Safety Inspections

• Life Safety Inspections: Office of Life Safety & Emergency Management provides inspection services to the residence halls, inspecting each a minimum of once annually. These are conducted by the Life Safety Staff with appropriate follow-up and recommendations for corrective action, with secondary inspections as necessary. Particular attention is given to maintenance of exit ways, exit lighting, emergency lighting, fire doors, fire alarm and sprinkler systems and portable fire extinguishers.
• Individual Room Safety Inspections: A safety inspection of each residence hall room is conducted by Residential Life staff each semester. Residents and residence hall staff are notified of any safety violations found. These may include the presence of candles, halogen lamps, flammable liquids, blocked smoke detectors and other unsafe conditions. Residents with violations are contacted, their rooms are re-inspected and fire safety issues are reviewed.
• 780 CMR Massachusetts State Building Code Certificate of Inspections: Office of Life Safety & Emergency Management serves to coordinate, and assist the State Building Inspector with annual inspections of each residence hall requisite for issuance of a Department of Public Safety Certificate of Inspection.

All residence hall fire protection equipment is inspected, tested and maintained through a coordinated program involving Office of Life Safety & Emergency Management, Facilities Operations & Services, and system inspection, testing, and maintenance (IMT) contractors.

• Fire Protection System Inspections: All fire protection systems are monitored buy the buildings fire alarm system with Fire Protection control valves locked in the open position. Life Safety Staff performs a visual inspection of residence hall emergency systems regularly to assure operability and report on any unusual conditions.
• Fire Alarm Systems: Either Under contract of a system IMT contractor or through Facilities Management Department staff, annual fire alarm system testing in each residence hall is performed. These tests include verification of system performance including audio-visual devices, automatic initiating appliances, and manual pull stations. Residential Life Staff assists by inspecting and testing room single station smoke detectors during room inspections. In addition, each fire alarm system is electronically monitored for supervisory, trouble, and alarm conditions by the UML Police Communications Center.
• Fire Sprinkler Systems, Standpipe Systems, and Fire Pumps: Fire protection systems are inspected, tested, maintained (IMT) in accordance with National Fire Protection Association(NFPA) document #25. These tests include verification of water flow, fire pump capacity tests, testing of flow indicating devices and fire pump controllers. In addition, each of our fire pumps is run tested once monthly in accordance with NFPA 25 to assure operability. Any identified deficiency or maintenance issue is followed-up with an appropriate service request through the UMass Lowell Operations and Services Department.

Fire Extinguisher Service

• All residence hall portable fire extinguishers inspections are conducted and serviced by a Massachusetts licensed Fire Protection Contractor as coordinated by the Office of Life Safety & Emergency Management. This includes annual programmed service, as well as repair, replacement, and charging as necessary and requested.

Fire Safety Education

• Educational programs are provided by Office of Life Safety & Emergency Management periodically in residence halls on request. These programs include fire safety regulations, fire reporting, action items to be taken in event of fire, and fire protection systems overview. This training is usually provided by the Life Safety or Emergency Management Staff, UMass Lowell Police, or Residents Life Staff.

Liaison and Code Enforcement

• UMass-Lowell Facilities Project Management and Office of Life Safety & Emergency Management staff provide project scoping guidance, plan review coordination, project monitoring, and inspection services for various Campus construction and improvement projects. Serving as liaison to the State Building Inspector, State Plumbing Inspector, City of Lowell Wiring Inspector, and Fire Department Officials, the Office of Life Safety & Emergency Management assists with the acceptance process and resolution of Building Code or Fire Prevention Regulation issues.

Emergency Service Response

• During fire or other emergency conditions, UML Police will provide assistance to responding fire department units. This assistance will include providing incident information, building information, key access, residence hall staff interface and assistance to residence with disabilities. Should an incident require investigation and follow-up UML Police staff will work closely with, Lowell Fire Department, State, and Office of Life Safety & Emergency Management officials. A fire department Key box is installed on each building to facilitate fire department access.

• Call 4-4911 on campus or dial: 978-934-4911 off campus to Report Smoke or Fire.
• Call UMass Lowell Police at: 44-911 (on-campus) or 978-934-4911 (off-campus) or 978-934-2394, to report any extinguished fire.

Fire Protections Upgrades and Planning

University of Massachusetts Lowell is constantly evaluating all properties, including Student Housing, and planning renovations/upgrades within budgetary limitations. Fire and Life Safety Systems upgrades are a high priority for the University and Sprinkler retrofitting is required in all “major renovations” consistent with Massachusetts General Law (MGL). In addition, University of Massachusetts Lowell, as a matter of policy, has secured sole source approval for Simplex Fire Alarm Systems with voice evacuation capability.

2021 Upgrades
Residence Hall	Street Address	Scope of Upgrade Proposed	Area
none	none	none	n/a

2022 Planned Upgrades
Residence Hall	Street Address	Scope of Upgrade Proposed	Area
Concordia Hall	6 Solomont Way, Lowell, MA 01854	Install Fire Sprinklers throughout building and replace fire alarm system with new voice fire alarm system and interfaced Campus Mass Notification capability	Entire building

Residential Areas	Stories	Voice or Horn Alerting	Fire Sprinkler System	Fire Extinguishers	Unit Occupant Smoke Alarm with Battery Backup	Emergency Standby Generator	Manual Pull Stations	Automatic Lowell F.D. Dispatch Notification	Fire Drills 2021	Automatic UMass Lowell Police Dispatch Notification
South Campus
Concordia Hall	6	Voice	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	1	Yes
Sheehy Hall	5	Horn	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	1	Yes
Riverview Suites	6	Voice	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	1	Yes
1301 Middlesex	31	Horn	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	1	Yes
East Campus
Bourgeois Hall	4	Voice	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	1	Yes
Donahue Hall	5	Horn	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	1	Yes
Fox Hall	18	Voice	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	1	Yes
Leitch Hall	4	Voice	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	1	Yes
University Suites	5	Voice	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	1	Yes
River Hawk Village - 39 Perkins St.	5	Voice	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	1	Yes
River Hawk Village - 61 Perkins St.	2	Horn	Yes	No	Yes	No	No	Yes	1	Yes
River Hawk Village - 77 Perkins St.	2	Horn	Yes	No	Yes	No	No	Yes	1	Yes
River Hawk Village - 5-21 Lawrence Dr.	2	Horn	Yes	No	Yes	No	No	Yes	1	Yes
Non-Campus
725 Merrimack St.	41	Horn	Yes	No	Yes	No	Yes	Yes	1	No
UMass Lowell Inn & Conference Center	9	Voice	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	1	Yes

¹ Building Ceased Residential Use in June 2020.

About

Available 24/7, UMass Lowell Emergency Medical Services (EMS) responds rapidly and professionally to medical emergencies on the UMass Lowell campus. Anyone interested learning more about UMass Lowell EMS or how to participate is encouraged to drop in during posted office hours, or contact us by phone at 978-934-4785 or e-mail: UMass_EMS@uml.edu.

Mission

UMass Lowell EMS is committed to organizational growth, team development, and individual accomplishment, through service and community engagement.

Core Values

We promote core values focused on equity, integrity, collaboration, compassion, and excellence.

Description

UMass Lowell EMS is a Class V Ambulance Service, licensed by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, that provides professional-quality care to the University and its community. We are recognized in the City of Lowell Service Zone Emergency Plan and receive Medical Direction through a partnership with Lowell General Hospital. We also provide medical training to university and community members interest in learning CPR and/or First Aid.

Part of the Office of Life Safety and Emergency Management, UMass Lowell Emergency Medical Services is led by a command staff, including a full time Director, EMS Coordinator, Part-time Assistant Manager and several Field Supervisors. The organization currently has thirty-five certified Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT’s), along with ten cadets, and is rapidly growing.

Awards

UMass Lowell EMS is part of the National Collegiate EMS Foundation (NCEMSF), and organization of approximately 300 member colleges from around North America. UMass Lowell EMS was recognized in 2011 as the Collegiate EMS Organization of the year. This honor is bestowed annually upon the school whose Emergency Medical Program exceeds all expectations and serves as pillar of NCEMSF, as well as the "Striving for Excellence" award - a three-year recognition (2016-2019) for a quality service, renewed in 2019. In 2014 and 2019 UMass Lowell EMS was also recognized as a HeartSafe Campus that was awarded to the University for its CPR and AED initiatives in medical education. In February 2018 we were recognized at the Bronze Level as an EMS Ready Campus as well as achieved 2nd place in the Physio Control National Skills Competition.

Emergency Alert Notification System

All members of the UMass Lowell community who have a UMass email are automatically enrolled in the UMass Lowell Alert Notification System. This Emergency Notification System provides emergency alerts to the university community and is an important communicating means that is part of UMass Lowell Emergency Preparedness Plan.

To update your profile information or to add additional communication methods or devices (email, txt, fax, phone) follow the instructions below to update you profile information.

UMass Lowell Alerts Login Instructions:

1. Go to the My Alert Website.
2. Click: “login” and enter your UMass Lowell email address
3. Click: in the next box enter: your UMass Lowell password
4. Click: Log in
5. You are now in your “Home Page”
6. Click: “User” (top left corner) to verify your information
7. Click: My Account Tab
   • Personal information
     • Primary email address
   • Change password
   • Add mobile phone numbers
   • Voice only line contact
   • 2nd email address
8. Click: the tab “Groups”: to see what group (if any) you are assigned

Name	Title	Phone Number	E-mail
Thomas Miliano	Associate Vice Chancellor, Administrative Services	978-934-2605	Thomas_Miliano@uml.edu
Richard Wood	Executive Director, Life Safety & Emergency Preparedness	978-934-2583	Richard_Wood@uml.edu
Glenn MacDonald	Executive Director, Environmental Health & Safety	978-934-2632	Glenn_MacDonald@uml.edu
Ruairi O’Mahony	Executive Director, Sustainability	978-934-1866	Ruairi_OMahony@uml.edu
Jon Victorine	Executive Director, UCAPS and Security Technologies	978-934-5060	Jon_Victorine@uml.edu
Nicholas Piscitello	Executive Director, Administrative Services	978-934-2111	Nicholas_Piscitello@uml.edu
Steven Snay, Ph.D.	Director of Radiation Safety - CHP	978-934-3373	Steven_Snay@uml.edu
Keri Belodeau	Business Manger, Administrative Services	978-934-3922	Keri_Belodeau@uml.edu
Kevin Conley	Emergency Preparedness & EMS Coordinator	978-934-6114	Kevin_Conley@uml.edu
Daniel Stewart	Life Safety Specialist	978-934-2165	Daniel_Stewart@uml.edu
John Freeman	Hazardous Material Mgr/Biosafety Officer	978-934-2543	John_Freeman1@uml.edu
Carl Shreder	Sr. Safety Specialist - CSP	978-934-2731	Carl_Shreder@uml.edu
Kathi Lamond	Sr. Safety Specialist - CIH	978-934-2746	Kathi_Lamond@uml.edu