4.3 Fire & Life Safety Systems

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

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.

Emergency Lighting

Emergency lighting is installed in the building's stairwells, corridors, and common areas to provide assistance for egress of individuals during an emergency situation. This lighting is kept on twenty-four hours per day. Additional emergency lighting is installed which is activated if there is loss of electric power in the building.

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 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.  

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.

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.

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.