01/12/2026
By David Muse Jr

The UMass Lowell Office of Life Safety & Emergency Management will conduct a test of the UMass Lowell Emergency Alerts System on Thursday, January 29, between 9 and 9:30 a.m. The test will last about two minutes.

The University’s Emergency Alerts System currently delivers notifications via text message and email. UMass Lowell continues to expand and enhance its emergency communication tools to better notify and guide the campus community during incidents that may affect campus operations or safety.

This test is an important step in ensuring all alerting components work together as intended and in helping community members understand what to expect during an actual emergency. Faculty, staff, and students are encouraged to visit the UML Alerts page to review and update their contact information prior to the test.

Alerting Tools Included in the Test

In addition to text and email notifications, the following systems may be utilized during the test:

  • Rave Guardian
    • Campus community members are encouraged to download the free Rave Guardian app, which provides enhanced safety features including push notifications for emergency alerts, a safety timer, quick access to emergency resources, and additional safety content.
  • X (formerly Twitter)
    • Emergency alerts can be automatically posted to @UMLAlerts on X (formerly Twitter). Community members who use X are encouraged to follow the account to receive emergency updates.
  • Desktop Capture
    • This feature allows emergency messages to be displayed directly on computer screens (when powered on) at the same time alerts are sent via voice, text and email. Desktop capture is reserved for emergencies requiring immediate action. Once the message is read, users may click the “Acknowledge” button to dismiss it. Individuals who do not regularly reboot their computers are encouraged to do so before the test to ensure the software is fully installed.
  • In-Building Voice Announcements
    • UMass Lowell has expanded integration between the Emergency Alerts System and voice evacuation systems in select campus buildings. During the test, speakers connected to fire alarm systems in these buildings may broadcast an emergency alert tone followed by verbal instructions. In buildings equipped with yellow strobe lights, the strobes will flash during activation. The alert message will repeat for the two-minute test period.
  • Exterior Voice Announcements
    • The test will also include select Emergency Blue Phones across campus. During activation, the blue lights will flash and a voice announcement will be broadcast from speakers mounted on the blue phone towers.

Questions
Questions regarding the planned test or emergency alert features may be directed to David Muse, Assistant Director of Emergency Management, at David_Muse@uml.edu.