Crews are working to repair two pipes that burst at UConn Monday morning.
Water pipe breaks at McMahon Residence Hall at 7:30 a.m. and the student union at 11:30 a.m. triggered the fire alarms and people were evacuated for about 15 minutes at each as UConn firefighters investigated, according to UConn Fire Chief John Mancini. Everyone was allowed to return to the buildings once firefighters confirmed there was no fire.
"They've been evacuating responsibly, which is good in this weather," Mancini said.
Crews shut off the water in those zones soon after responding and identifying the issue, but water is still accessible in the buildings.
The cold was a major factor in the pipe bursts and water spilled into common areas in both buildings, but dorm rooms were not affected.
Mancini said that the cold has been a difficult time for everyone and said that "people need to be patient" and use extreme caution.
A major issue UConn has faced in the cold snap and recent snowstorms is getting the snow of the walkways and he said all the sidewalks have been clear.
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Some campus buses were delayed earlier in the day, but the issue has since been resolved, according to university officials.
