Power Outage

A power outage is when the electrical power goes out unexpectedly. In the event of a power outage, BU has some emergency generators and limited battery backup that will provide power to egress routes to aid in the evacuation of the building.

In the event of a power outage:

  • Remain calm
  • Do not use candles or other types of flame for lighting
  • Be prepared by keeping flashlights and batteries in easily accessible locations throughout your work areas and residences.
  • Notification of power outage will be sent to building occupants and utility disruption lists
  • Facilities Management, Police, Environmental Health and Safety, and Emergency Management will conduct a call to discuss the issue and provide additional guidance to building occupants/departments
  • If evacuation of the building is required, follow your department’s/building’s evacuation plan.
  • Consider activating your department’s continuity of operations plan and have staff work from a secondary location
  • Secure your work area
  • At any time if you feel unsafe you should evacuate the building

To report a power outage, call Facilities:

  • Charles River/Fenway Campus 617-353-2105
  • Medical Campus 617-358-4144

If people are trapped in an elevator:

  • Charles River/Fenway Campus notify BU Police at 617-353-2121.
  • Medical Campus call BU Public Safety at 617-358-4444

Water Outage

A water outage may affect the campus as a standalone event (water main break, water supply contamination) or in conjunction with another emergency situation (earthquake, major storm, etc.).

In the event of a water outage:

  • Notification of water outage will be sent to building occupants and utility disruption lists
  • Facilities Management, Police, Environmental Health and Safety, and Emergency Management will conduct a call to discuss the issue and provide additional guidance to building occupants/departments
  • If evacuation of the building is required, follow your department’s/building’s evacuation plan.
  • Consider activating your department’s continuity of operations plan and have staff work from a secondary location
  • At any time if you feel unsafe you should evacuate the building

To report a water outage, call Facilities:

  • Charles River/Fenway Campus 617-353-2105
  • Medical Campus 617-358-4144