Evacuation Information for People with Mobility Challenges
Residential Building Fire Alarm Systems
Selected student rooms in some of the University’s residential buildings have been equipped with audible and visual (horn and strobe) warning devices to alert students with visual or hearing impairments of an emergency situation inside the building. There are also some rooms that are equipped with remote control door opening devices for students with physical challenges. When these buildings’ fire alarm systems are activated, the student’s room door automatically releases and opens. It stays open for a short period of time, then self-closes and locks. If the student is in his/her room during this activation and they need additional time to exit the room, they may use the remote to open the door.
We strongly encourage students with mobility challenges to pre-arrange for assistance during fire alarm evacuations for planning purposes. Please be certain to speak with your Roommates, Hall Staff, and others - to formulate a plan to address evacuation situations. It is advised to have another resident prepared to assist the student as needed during an evacuation or alarm activation event. When a person with a mobility challenge is located in a building on a floor above or below ground level at the time of the emergency, the person should proceed to the area adjacent to the nearest EXIT stairway. The stairways are considered an area of refuge and are protected by fire doors. Elevators must never be used during a fire alarm evacuation. Once located adjacent to the EXIT stairway, the student or someone assisting the student should call the Campus Police at 617-627-6911 to alert them of their location and needs. If there is NO obvious threat to life safety, the student should remain in the area adjacent to the EXIT stairway until a member of the Campus Police or local fire department arrives, or the incident is concluded. If there IS an immediate threat to their life safety the mobility-challenged person (and others with them) should relocate INTO the STAIRWELL. This relocation into the stairwell must be communicated to the Campus Police at 617-627-6911 who will contact the Incident Commander (on site) who will send emergency responders into that stairwell to carry or assist the persons needing such help.
Academic Building Fire Alarm Systems
We strongly encourage students with mobility challenges to pre-arrange for assistance during fire alarm evacuations for planning purposes. Please be certain to speak with your Professors, Supervisors, Managers, or Instructors to formulate a plan to address evacuation situations. It is advised to have a fellow student or faculty member prepared to assist the student as needed during an evacuation or alarm activation event. When a person with a mobility challenge is located in a building on a floor above or below ground level at the time of the emergency, the person should proceed to the area adjacent to the nearest EXIT stairway. The stairways are considered an area of refuge and are protected by fire doors. Elevators must never be used during a fire alarm evacuation. Once located adjacent to the EXIT stairway, the student or someone assisting the student should call the Campus Police at 617-627-6911 to alert them of their location and needs. If there is NO obvious threat to life safety, the student should remain in the area adjacent to the EXIT stairway until a member of the Campus Police or local fire department arrives, or the incident is concluded. If there IS an immediate threat to their life safety the mobility-challenged person (and others with them) should relocate INTO the STAIRWELL. This relocation into the stairwell must be communicated to the Campus Police at 617-627-6911 who will contact the Incident Commander (on site) who will send emergency responders into that stairwell to carry or assist the persons needing such help.