Guide to Residence Life Handbook

To Report a Fire...

Pull the nearest fire alarm station.  Follow evacuation procedures.  If possible, alert a University staff member of the exact location of the fire.

Whenever the fire alarm sounds, it is important that you respond as if it is a real emergency.  When the fire alarm is activated, a signal horn will sound and a strobe light will flash.  At 150 Tremont and Miller Hall, the following pre-recorded message will be heard over the intercom system:

“Attention please, the signal tone you have just heard indicates a report of an emergency in this building.  If your floor evacuation signal sounds after this message, walk to the nearest exit stairway and leave the floor.  While this report is being verified, occupants on other floors should await further instruction.”

After this message, an evacuation signal (a “slow-whoop”) will sound on the affected floor, the floor above, and the floor below.  Occupants of these three floors must exit the building by stairs.  The elevators will automatically descend to the lobby and cease operation.

Do not use the elevator to exit the building.

The stairwells are equipped with fire-rated doors.  Individuals should stay to the right when exiting down a stairwell to allow passage by fire department personnel that may be using the stairwell to go to the fire area.  If the stairwell has fire or smoke, or is otherwise obstructed, select another appropriate escape route.

When an alarm sounds:

• Do not stop for valuables
• Shut off electrical appliances
• Leave your room light ON
• Close your doors and windows
• If you lock your door, take your keys with you
• Alert others around you
• Assist any special needs/disabled persons in evacuating
• Leave the building, even if the alarm stops while you are on your way out.

If the alarm sounds when you are sleeping:

• Roll out of bed – do not sit or stand up – crawl on the floor to the door
• Alert others who are in your room or suite
• Feel the door and the doorknob with the back of your hand.  If they are hot, seek an alternate exit
• Otherwise, when opening the door, brace yourself against it, and slowly open the door only a crack to check for smoke, heat, or flames.  If there are none, proceed as “When an alarm sounds” (above).  However, if there is too much smoke, heat or flames, close the door and seek an alternate exit.  If there is no alternate exit, proceed as follows:
• Crawl or stay low to the floor where the air is cleaner and cooler.  Avoid inhaling the smoke if you can
• Go back to your room and close the door
• Dial the emergency telephone number 911 or 617-573-8111.
• Put wet towels or tape around the cracks in your door, vents, louvers, etc.
• Breathe through a wet towel or handkerchief placed over the mouth and nose
• If windows can be opened, open one window if, and only if, the fire is not below the window
• Make your presence known by periodically appearing at the window
• If you have a bathtub or sink, fill it with water.  Keep a pan or can next to the tub.  Use the water and pail to fight the fire should it enter the room
• Do not jump out of windows or climb on ledges.  If you are on the ground or first floor, safe evacuation from a window may be possible.  To avoid
• being cut, try opening windows first before breaking them
• If your clothing catches on fire, do not run.  Call for help, then stop, drop and roll, and immediately cover your face with your hands.  Try to keep fire away from the face and breathing passages
  

Fire Drills, Vandalism, False Alarms

• Fire drills are conducted once each semester to familiarize everyone with the sound of the alarms. Use the emergency exit locations to evacuate the building safely.  These drills are conducted once each semester.  Remember: Failure to evacuate when the alarm sounds is punishable by fines and University disciplinary action.
• Automatic and manual fire alarm systems are provided in all buildings.  Damaging these systems is a serious offense and will result in criminal prosecution and/or University disciplinary action, either of which may result in a fine or University sanctions.
• Creating a false alarm is punishable by sanctions from the University up to, and including, suspension and/or dismissal and/or fines and prosecution.
• Fire extinguishers are located in all campus buildings.  These are to be used for their intended purpose, and should not be removed at any other time.  People who misuse fire extinguishers are subject to a fine, plus sanctions from the University.

Occupants with Special Needs and/or Disabilities

Individuals who need assistance during an evacuation are encouraged to identify and discuss with resident hall staff (in advance) who might assist them in leaving the building, who will inform emergency personnel of their presence and where they are located so that further assistance can be provided.

The reported emergency in the building may be such that evacuation may not always be necessary for persons with special needs or disabilities.  The individual with special needs and/or disabilities should contact the University Dispatcher at 617-573-8111 for information and instructions.

If University Police or Fire Department personnel determines that evacuation is necessary:

• Tell the Dispatcher your location
• Go to the nearest stairwell away from danger
• If you are not in immediate danger, allow the majority of the traffic to pass before entering the stairwell.  Then, enter the stairwell and wait on the landing for emergency personnel
• If the stairwell cannot be used, enter the safest area, away from danger, and call 617-573-8111.  Tell the University Dispatcher your exact location and wait for assistance.  Telephones will often work in a burning building.  If the telephone does not work, try signaling at a window by waving a cloth or other visible object.

The University Police will notify the emergency response personnel of any special needs and/or disabled individuals.  REGISTRATION by special needs and/or disabled individuals is a voluntary recommendation.  Individuals with special needs and/or disability – or who become mobility impaired due to an injury, etc. are strongly advised to register.  Individual evacuation plans can be developed, consistent with individual requirements.

Floor Marshals and evacuation leaders will notify emergency response personnel of any other non-ambulatory individuals (or persons with special needs and/or disability) they know about who are unable to exit the building unassisted.  Transporting of individuals with special needs and/or disability up or down stairwells should be avoided without the assistance of emergency response personnel.  Unless imminent life-threatening conditions exist in the immediate area occupied by a non-ambulatory or disabled person, relocation of the individual should be limited to an area of refuge on the same floor separated by a set of closed fire doors (preferably in close proximity to an evacuation stairwell).

Reminders for persons with special needs or disabilities:

• Take control without depending on others to take the first step
• Do not be afraid to let others know you need assistance
• Do not hesitate to communicate what your special needs are in order to make the evacuation easier and safer
• Plan ahead.  Be prepared

Note EXIT signs, stairwells and location of fire alarm pull stations

More detailed information will be verbally presented at the first floor meeting each semester. The Boston Fire Department responds each time the alarm is activated.

Exit signs are posted in the building.  You should consult with your RA or University Police if you are unsure as to which exit you should use in an emergency.  Familiarize yourself with the fire evacuation procedures.

Once the evacuation alarm sounds, all students should move quickly and quietly to the exit indicated for their area.  Proceed through the exit in an orderly fashion and move away from the building.

Residents at 150 Tremont  should exit left and proceed down Tremont Street.
Residents at Miller Hall should cross Somerset and gather behind the courthouse in the plaza across the street.

It is important that you follow this procedure.  We may need to make announcements regarding the emergency, so everyone needs to be in the same location.

It is possible that an evacuation of the building will be necessary, but the fire alarm would not be used.  In this rare instance, please follow the directions of the staff.

Bomb Threat

In the event of a bomb threat, the authority in charge may require that the building be cleared immediately.  Should this not be the case, any resident electing to remain in the building does so at his/her own risk.  If a suspected explosive device is discovered, the building will be evacuated immediately.  Follow Emergency Evacuation Procedures unless otherwise instructed by a University official.

To Report a Medical Emergency...

In the event of  a medical emergency, contact a Residence Life Staff person immediately.  If a staff member is unavailable, immediately call the Suffolk University Police at 617-573-8111 or Health Services at 617-573-8260.  Keep in mind that Health Services is open during regular business hours.

To Report a Psychological Emergency...

In the event of a psychological emergency, contact a Residence Life Staff person immediately.  If a staff member is unavailable, immediately call University Police at 617-573-8111 or the Counseling Center at 617-573-8226.   Keep in mind that the Counseling Center is open during regular business hours.  After those hours, mental health care is available through local hospitals.

If you need to go to the Hospital...

Suffolk University uses the New England Medical Center (NEMC) or Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH). If you find that you need to go to the emergency room, here are some helpful tips:

• Report your illness or injury to a Residence Life & Summer Programs Staff member or University Police.
• If you are able, find a friend to go with you.
• When you report to the emergency room triage desk, identify yourself as a Suffolk University resident student.
• Carry your Suffolk ID, health coverage card/information and any medical information that may be helpful. If you do not require ambulance service,
• University Police will provide you with a cab voucher for transportation to and from NEMC or MGH. You may obtain a voucher at the first floor security desk in the lobby of your building.
• Advise your family of your medical situation. There are certain situations which dictate family notification by a University official.
• If you report your medical emergency to the off-campus ‘911’, please give them your room number so that SUPD may be helpful to the responding personnel.
• 150 Tremont residents are typically transported to the New England Medical Center (NEMC). Miller Hall and Holiday Inn residents are typically transported to the Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH).
• Before your discharge from the hospital, ask the hospital to fax a discharge summary and recommendations for continued treatment to either the Suffolk University Counseling Center at (617) 227-3685 or Suffolk University Health Services at (617) 305-1745. Ask the hospital to contact Metro Taxi at (617) 242-8000 to provide a ride back to your residence hall.
• When you return to campus, contact University Police at (617) 573-8333 to let them know you have returned. Submit the taxi receipt to the Campus Security Officer at the desk in the residence hall where you live.
• You should speak with a staff member in the Counseling Center or Health Services for an evaluation after you have been discharged from the hospital. The purpose of this meeting is to assess your ability to return to a rigorous academic schedule, for Suffolk to learn about follow-up care you may be receiving from non-Suffolk mental health or medical providers and to offer on-going support to ensure your success.
• If you are under the care of a non-Suffolk mental health or medical provider, you will be asked to permit that health care provider to speak with a staff member in the Counseling Center or Health Services regarding your continuing care.
• Before you return to class or continue to live in the residence halls, you should meet with a staff member in the Dean of Students Office to review services and resources.
• If you miss classes due to your emergency treatment at the hospital, upon request, the Dean of Students Office will inform your professors of your absences and advocate on your behalf to re-establish your academic standing, if feasible.

To Report a Facilities Emergency...

In the event of a facilities emergency (i.e. leaking ceiling or overflowing toilet), contact a Residence Life & Summer Programs Staff person immediately.  If you cannot quickly locate a Residence Life & Summer Programs Staff member, contact the Suffolk University Police Department at the front desk.

To Report a Safety and/or Security Emergency...

In the event of a safety and/or security emergency contact a Residence Life Staff person and/or University Police at 617-573-8111.

 

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