Evacuation Procedures

For non-emergency access to Campus Security, please call 250-370-4567.

When to evacuate

Evacuate when you hear alarm bells, when danger is imminent, or when instructed to do so by first responders or emergency wardens.

• Secure hazardous materials and equipment before leaving if safe to do so.
• Assist people with disabilities.
• Do not use elevators.
• In case of fire, check doors for heat before opening and stay low if moving through smoke.
• Leave the building by the nearest exit.
• Check for falling debris before exiting the building, and move away from doors once outside.
• Go to the Emergency Assembly Point for your building.
• Never re-enter the building until notified by emergency personnel that it is safe to do so.

Evacuation of people with disabilities

If you have a disability, it is important to anticipate and plan how you would evacuate in case of emergency. Review the exits and areas of refuge in advance.

If you are assisting a person with a disability, always ask how you can help before attempting to assist. Ask whether there are any special considerations or items that need to accompany the person.

People with visual impairments

• Tell the person the nature of the emergency and offer to guide him/her.
• Ask if he/she would like to hold onto your arm as you exit, especially if there is debris or a crowd.
• As you walk, tell the person where you are and advise of any obstacles.
• When you have reached safety, orient the person to where he/she is.
• Ask if any further assistance is needed. Do not leave the person until further assistance arrives.

People with hearing impairments

• Remember that people with impaired hearing may not perceive emergency alarms and an alternative warning technique is required.
• Either – write a note explaining about the emergency and the nearest evacuation route (e.g. “Fire – go out the rear door to the right and down the stairs, now!”)
• Or – turn the light switch on and off to gain attention, then indicate (through gestures or in writing) what is happening or what to do.

People with mobility impairments

• Accompany wheelchair users and those unable to descend the stairs to the refuge area. Direct them to wait there until they are assisted down the stairs by fire personnel. Do not use elevators to evacuate people with disabilities.
• A staff member or student must be designated to inform emergency services, campus security, or emergency warden that someone is in the refuge area and provide their specific location.
• If the person cannot be taken to an area of refuge, help them get to a room with a door that closes, away from the fire or smoke and is as close as possible to an exit.
• If people are in immediate danger and cannot be moved to a safer area to wait for assistance, it may be necessary to evacuate using a safe carry technique.