09/17/2026
By David Muse Jr
The UMass Lowell Office of Life Safety & Emergency Management will conduct an emergency alert system drill on Monday, Sept. 21, between 9 and 10 a.m.
Most of our community is aware that UMass Lowell can send text and email messages through the UML Alerts notification system. We continue to expand and enhance our tools to improve our ability to notify and instruct the campus community during a campus emergency.
This drill is important to verify that all interconnected features function correctly and that campus members know what to expect during an emergency. Please take a moment to log in to the UML Alerts page to update your contact information.
Features Tested During the Drill
In addition to text, email, and UML website alerts, the following features may be used during the drill:
Rave Guardian
Campus community members are encouraged to download the free Rave Guardian app to access enhanced features, including direct push messaging of emergency information, the safety timer feature, and quick access to emergency information and safety content. The Rave Guardian app is free of charge and available for both Android and iPhone users.
Twitter/X
Our emergency notification system can automatically push emergency messages to @UMLAlerts on X. If you use Twitter/X, please consider following us.
Desktop Capture
This feature allows the Emergency Management team and UMass Lowell Police to send emergency messages directly to university-owned computer screens, provided the machine is powered on and connected to our network. This feature is reserved for emergencies requiring immediate action. Once you read the message, click the “Acknowledge” button at the bottom of the screen to hide it.
If you do not normally reboot your computer, please do so before the drill to ensure the software is fully installed.
In-Building Voice Announcements
Our Emergency Alert Notification system interfaces with voice emergency systems across most UMass Lowell buildings. When activated, the fire alarm system and building speakers will broadcast a brief emergency alert tone followed by verbal instructions. In buildings equipped with yellow strobe lights, the lights will also flash. The alert tone and message may repeat during the drill.
Exterior Voice Announcements
We will also test the interface between the Emergency Alert Notification system and select Emergency Blue Phones across campus. During the drill, the blue lights may flash, and you may hear a voice announcement through the speakers atop the phones.
Please direct questions about this drill or the expanded alerting features to David Muse, Director of Emergency Management & EMS, at David_Muse@uml.edu.