Flooding

Major Flooding

Major flooding on the campus would be the result of torrential rains, a water main failure, or frozen pipes.

  • Evacuate affected buildings and areas immediately. See the Evacuation section of this guide.
  • Follow instructions from the University Police for immediate action.
  • Use extreme caution around appliances or electrical receptacles near the leak and/or water.

Minor Flooding

Minor or area flooding of the campus is a more likely scenario.  It could result from major, multiple rainstorms or a water line break. In the event of minor, weather-related flooding, the University Police will monitor the National Weather Service and the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) to determine if evacuation and/or cancellation of classes is necessary.  In the case of a water main failure, affected areas of the campus would have to be evacuated immediately. In this case, refer to the Evacuation section of this guide.

  • Notify the University Police at 617-627-6911.
  • Secure vital equipment, records, and chemicals (move to higher, safer ground). Shut off all electrical equipment (if safe to do so). Secure all laboratory experiments. When able, notify Facilities Services:
    Boston health sciences—617-636-3535
    Boston SMFA—617-636-3535
    Grafton—508-887-4949
    Medford/Somerville—617-627-3496
  • Wait for instructions from the University Police for immediate action.
  • Do not return to your building unless you have been instructed to do so by the University Police.