09/25/2024
By Ginelle Cote
In the event of an emergency, it’s difficult to avoid freezing up if you’re unsure of how to proceed. However, the UMass Lowell Office of Life Safety & Emergency Management recognizes that taking steps before an emergency can help prepare us if something were to occur. One of the greatest resources to have in an emergency is a plan.
Situational Awareness
It is important to always take note of your surroundings, especially in unfamiliar or dark areas.
- Know who you’re with, what you’re surrounded by, and what resources are around you. Keep in mind where the nearest exits are in the case of an evacuation.
- Think ahead and have a plan. Where will you meet your friends if you get split up? If you needed to barricade something, what could you use?
Resources
On campus, you are surrounded by resources for various emergencies.
- AEDs: In the case of a medical emergency, you may need to locate the nearest AED. There is a functional AED in every major building on campus, in addition to some other high-traffic areas.
- Bleeding Control Kits: There are currently five bleeding control kits installed across campus. You can find them in Fox Hall, the Tsongas Center, McGauvran, Lydon Library, and University Crossing.
- Emergency Phones: Main streets on campus stay lit at night. However, if you feel unsafe or need help, locate the nearest emergency phone. There are over 100 emergency phones on campus. Outside, they are found on blue poles with a blue light. Inside, the phones have a silver face and red emergency button. These phones allow the dispatcher to pinpoint the caller’s location on campus.
Evacuation vs. Shelter-In-Place
Becoming notified of an evacuation or shelter-in-place response can come from many sources. Check out our recent article: “Information about Receiving Emergency Notifications” to make sure you receive emergency alerts. If you need to seek shelter indoors, lock windows/doors and close vents. Make a list of those you are with, and listen for further instructions.