Originally Posted by collinbf

This is correct. The alarm system has its own power supply so it wouldn't be affected by an outage. Before they reset the breakers they usually evacuate the building.

As for being evacuated after the restoration of power, they probably had to do a series of tests before allowing you to re-enter.

When I was in first year (in Les Prince), there was a power outage, and they evacuated everyone from the building. The reason I was given was, since the power was off, the fire alarm wouldn't work and therefore everyone had to leave. They came and knocked on everyone's doors to get them out, but some people didn't realize until they physically walked out the front doors on their way to class and were then told they weren't allowed back in.

Originally Posted by nerual

When I was in first year (in Les Prince), there was a power outage, and they evacuated everyone from the building. The reason I was given was, since the power was off, the fire alarm wouldn't work and therefore everyone had to leave. They came and knocked on everyone's doors to get them out, but some people didn't realize until they physically walked out the front doors on their way to class and were then told they weren't allowed back in.

LP is the newest residence too. If any residence would have a backup power supply for the fire alarms it would definitely be LP. I think it's fairly safe to say then, that the older residences are not likely to have backup generators.

Originally Posted by nerual

The reason I was given was, since the power was off, the fire alarm wouldn't work and therefore everyone had to leave.

Hmmm that does makes more sense.