University of Massachusetts Lowell
Lowell, Massachusetts

When the fire alarm system is activated, proper response actions are required of individuals with physical or mobility disabilities, the local Fire Department, and University staff. To assure the safety of all individuals, the following procedures and information must be practiced.

Responsibility of the person with access and functional needs:

Emergency Evacuation Plan For Persons With Access and Functional Needs.

The student, faculty, staff, or visitor is instructed to take the following actions when the building’s emergency alarm has been activated.

No presence of smoke or fire:

When an emergency alarm activation occurs, and there is no presence of smoke or fire, remain/return to a safe space or room and take the following actions:

  1. Keep all doors and windows closed.
  2. Call University Police by dialing 44-911 on campus or 978-934-4911. Provide a name and location, and state that you cannot self-evacuate.
  3. Remain in the space unless otherwise instructed by Police or other first responders.
  4. When the alarm stops sounding or you are directed by fire / police, you can then move freely within the building.

Note: The above actions allow the individual to remain in a safe space and inform the Police and Fire Department of their location. The fire or police officials will respond if required to evacuate the individual.

Presence of smoke or fire:

When an emergency alarm activation occurs, and there is a presence of smoke or fire in or immediately near the space, those unable to self-evacuate should take the following actions:

  1. Proceed to the nearest stairway away from the smoke or fire. Safely position oneself against the wall in the stairwell landing.
  2. Ask an evacuating person to notify the fire department or police of your location after they have exited the building.
  3. If you have a cell phone, notify University Police by dialing 978-934-4911 and provide your name and location, and state that you are unable to self-evacuate.
  4. When the alarm stops sounding or instructed by first responders, it is safe to move freely within the building.

Note: The above actions allow the individual to safely exit an area where there is a presence of smoke or fire and provide awareness to the fire and police officials of their location. The fire or police officials will respond if required to evacuate the individual from their location safely.

Fire Department Response Actions:

  1. The Fire Department will respond to building fire alarms.
  2. Knox Boxes are located at main entrances and provide key access to the facility.
  3. On-scene emergency personnel may request a list of names, room numbers, and other building-specific information from University staff.
  4. If a fire emergency is determined, the Fire Department will respond to the identified locations and notify occupants of the situation and/or evacuate the individual to a safe area.

Responsibility of University Staff in NON-EMERGENCY situations:

  1. During the hours of 7 p.m.-7 a.m., Residence Life Staff will follow up with residents by personally informing them of non-emergency status. When necessary, staff will key into suite/room to confirm a non-emergency status.
  2. During the hours of 7 a.m.-7 p.m., when Residence Life Staff does not contact University Police within 10 minutes, University Police will follow up with the resident(s) by personally informing them of non-emergency status.