EVACUATION PROCEDURES & ROUTES

There are two staircases in the center of the building that can be used to exit at the 1^st floor level. Stair 1 exits into one of two locations. One exit is to the outside of the building by the loading dock, and the second is into the cafeteria, which then leads into the lobby, which is considered the main entrance to the building. Stair 2 exits into the lobby, which is considered the main entrance to the building.

There is also an exit on the Beacon Street side of the building, accessible from the lobby; an exit into the alley on the south side of the building accessible from the kitchen of the Amenities Room on the first floor; and an exit at the rear of the building accessible from the 2nd floor

The primary assembly area for 73 Tremont Street is the open space outside One Beacon Street, across from 10 Somerset Street.

If there is a need to assemble further away from the building, the secondary assembly area is 120 Tremont Street.

The designated areas of refuge for 73 Tremont Street are the landings in the stairwells on each floor. These areas are sometimes known as “emergency waiting areas” or “locations for rescue assistance.” The enclosed stairwells are constructed of fire resistive materials that protect individuals from the effects of a fire during evacuation. 

REPORTING A FIRE OR EMERGENCY

Persons discovering a fire, smoky condition, or explosion should pull the nearest fire alarm pull station which will notify the Boston Fire Department that there is an alarm in the building. Fire alarm pull stations are located on each floor. The horn/strobe alarms alert building occupants of the need for evacuation.

To report any emergency on campus, notify Suffolk University Police at extension 8111, or 617-573-8111.

WHEN THE FIRE ALARM SOUNDS

1. In the event of a fire alarm activation, a signal will sound, followed by a pre-recorded message. Listen to the pre-recorded message and follow the instructions. In most situations only certain floors will be required to evacuate.
2. Occupants should ensure that others nearby are aware of the emergency, and when directed to do so, exit the building by the established evacuation routes.
3. Occupants should assist visitors, students, and others who are not familiar with the building to safely evacuate.
4. All occupants should go to the assembly area and await further instructions from the Suffolk University Police Department or other emergency services personnel.
5. All occupants should know where their primary and alternate exits are located, and be familiar with the various evacuation routes available. Floor plans with escape routes are posted throughout the building.
6. Occupants must not use elevators as an escape route in the event of a fire or emergency evacuation.
7. No individual is permitted to re-enter the building until advised it is safe to do so by the Suffolk University Police Department or the Boston Fire Department.

INDIVIDUALS NEEDING ASSISTANCE

Some building occupants require assistance during building evacuation. Employees and visitors who need assistance can voluntarily register with the Office of Emergency Management at 617-573-8795. Students who need assistance can voluntarily register with the Office of Disability Services located on the 7^th floor of 73 Tremont Street. Their phone number is 617-994-6820.

Floor Wardens can help individuals needing assistance by directing them to areas of refuge (i.e. protected stairwells), and notifying emergency response personnel of their location. Transporting individuals with disabilities up and down stairs should be avoided except by trained emergency personnel. All individuals, regardless of their circumstances, need to take responsibility for their safety in an emergency, which means being able to move away from any and all hazards. 

The following portions of the fire & life safety systems are standard for each building. Please refer to the specific building for more detailed information.

Smoke Detectors

Smoke detectors provide the initial warning signal of fire in the building. They are installed throughout the building. The activation of a smoke detector will initiate the alarm sequence and will alert the appropriate authorities.

Fire Alarm Pull Stations

Fire alarm pull stations are located near the exit stairwells on each floor. These stations, when activated, will initiate the alarm sequence and automatically alert the Boston Fire Department and Suffolk University, where appropriate. All building occupants should familiarize themselves with the location of the pull stations in their areas that are designated as exits.

Fire Horns and Strobe Lights

The audiovisual fire alarm signals for the building are horns and ADA approved strobe lights. These devices are located throughout each floor in the building to provide complete communication during an emergency situation.

Fire Extinguishers

Fire extinguishers are installed on every floor. They are the dry chemical types that are effective on Class A, B, and C fires. There may be several fire extinguisher locations, strategically placed, depending upon the size and design of the floor. Fire extinguishers should be used by trained personnel only. The safe evacuation of the building is the number one priority.  

Elevators

Elevators are not to be used during a fire or an emergency situation. The Boston Fire Department must be able to access the elevators in order to transport their personnel to various floors and to evacuate individuals needing physical assistance.

Stairwell Doors

All of the building's stairwell doors are fire-rated and are designed to prevent fire and smoke from spreading from floor to floor. Do not block or hold these doors open during an evacuation as this will allow smoke to enter stairwells.

Emergency Lighting

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