Fire and Safety


In the event of an emergency

In the event of an emergency requiring police, fire, or ambulance, dial 911 immediately.

Fire  

Alarm bells, emergency audible messaging or strobe lights could signal a real fire, a bomb threat, leaks of noxious gases, other emergencies or a fire evacuation drill. Fire alarms are activated in two ways: 

  • By someone who notices a fire and pulls the nearest alarm (normally located in corridors of buildings); 

  • Heat or smoke causing the activation of heat and smoke detector sensors.  

In both cases, the alarm is received by an external monitoring agency that calls the Fire Department and alerts ²ÝÁñÉçÇø Security. 

When an alarm sounds – it must be treated as a real emergency. 

Fast steady ring coupled with an audible message — Get Out

  • A fast-steady ringing fire alarm indicates a fire in the area. 

  • Everyone is to evacuate the building immediately by the nearest exit and congregate at closest Designated Assembly Area. Everyone should congregate at the Assembly Area in front of the campus if evacuating after hours (11pm to 7am).  

  • ²ÝÁñÉçÇø staff Fire Wardens will sweep areas to ensure everyone in the building is aware of the alarm and are progressing towards the exit.  

  • Do not use elevators. 

  • Individuals requiring assistance should stay in the assisted evacuation areas. Someone will assist. 

  • Move well away from all buildings. 

  • Do not re-enter the building until advised to do so by Facilities personnel or an appointed ²ÝÁñÉçÇø Fire Warden. 

Slow intermittent ring — Warning

  • This is a warning only. It indicates a fire in another area of the building. Be prepared to evacuate. 

  • If in doubt — get out! 

  • Familiarize yourself with the location and operation of fire extinguishers and alarm pull stations in your immediate work area. 

  • Never attempt to fight a fire larger than a wastebasket. Even a small fire can generate enough smoke to cause serious injury. Never attempt to fight a fire by yourself. Call for help.  

Fire Prevention 

  • Keep your work area neat and clean – free of clutter.  

  • Understand where the nearest fire fighting equipment is location and how to use it.  

  • Be alert for possible fire hazards (i.e., overloaded extension cords, coffee pot left on etc.) 

  • Be cautious when working with flammable liquids or explosive gases.  

Hazardous Conditions/ Incidents 

A hazardous condition could be a tripping hazard, misplaced manhole cover or any condition that could cause an accident. If you are aware of a hazardous condition please report it to the supervisor of that area, ²ÝÁñÉçÇø Security, or Facilities. 

Note: All imminent hazards (conditions that will result in serious injury if left unattended) should be immediately reported to the Facilities Services Department, and the department supervisor or Security so that immediate corrective action can be taken. 

Utility Failure 

Power Outage 

  • In the case of a power outage, Facilities Services will contact BC Hydro for failure information. This will be passed on via the Executive Committee through the Emergency Audible System, word of mouth, and posted notices. 

  • If the failure is estimated to last less than one hour, college operations will continue as per usual provided lighting levels are adequate. 

  • If the failure is estimated to last more than one hour, college operations may be cancelled by a member of the Executive Committee, until further notice. The building will remain open but regular operations will cease. 

  • If evacuation is necessary, follow the direction of Security, ²ÝÁñÉçÇø staff, or emergency personnel. 

  • Turn off electrical equipment with manual switches (e.g. computers etc.). 

  • Unplug other electrical equipment to protect from possible power surges when the power returns. 

  • Wait for further instructions. 

Plumbing Failure/ Flooding 

Report the problem to Facilities Services immediately. Avoid any contact with electrical equipment or lines. 

Elevator Failure 

  • Do not use elevators during a fire, earthquake, or power outage. 

  • If you become trapped in an elevator, use the elevator telephone or alarm button to call the KONE call center for help. They will dispatch a technician and the response time is 20min for an entrapment. 

  • Do not attempt to pry open the doors or overhead hatch of a stopped elevator. Remain calm; use the elevator telephone or emergency button to call for help. Facilities personnel and/or Security will respond immediately. 

Gas Leak 

  • In the case of a gas leak, or a strong gas odor is detected, evacuate everyone from the building immediately then contact Security and/or Facilities Services but if neither are available contact local Fire Department or 911.   

  • Do not light matches or turn on lights or any electrical equipment. Also, be sure to close all exterior doors once everyone has been evacuated and wait for instructions. It is important that oxygen is not allowed to reenter the space as this can instigate ignition and an explosion.   

  • Personnel specifically trained in gas shutoff procedures will respond immediately and will recommend response procedures once they have confirmed the leak.  

  • Follow the direction of emergency personnel before reentering the building.