Emergencies can happen anytime, and being personally prepared is the best way to protect yourself and those around you. This page offers practical resources and tips to help you plan ahead, stay informed, and respond confidently in a variety of situations.
Personal Planning
Emergencies can strike without warning — from natural disasters and power outages to medical situations or accidents. While we can’t predict exactly when or how these events will occur, we can take proactive steps to ensure we're ready to respond.
Actions:
- Know how to Evacuate, Shelter in Place and Lockdown on campus
- Review the emergency response procedures.
- Be personally prepared.
- Have an emergency kit.
- Visit BC's Public Emergency Preparation and Recovery site.
- Review Prepared BC's Resources for People with Disabilities
- Take personal belongings with you to class or to meetings (keys, wallet, purse, coat and cell phone).
- Add Campus Security emergency and non-emergency numbers to your mobile phone contacts list.
- Check the VIU Safety App, the VIU website and digital signage for information. To learn more, visit Emergency Messaging.
- Follow VIU on social media.
Emergencies can range from medical incidents and threatening behaviour to earthquakes and fires. In these situations, students look to faculty and instructors for guidance, just as audience members rely on facilitators for direction. Being prepared helps ensure a calm, safe, and effective response.
Steps to prepare yourself and your class or audience
- Familiarize yourself with VIU's emergency procedures. Make sure there is an emergency poster in your class.
- Know all the building exits and the exterior building evacuation points.
- Know the location of the closest fire extinguisher.
- Inform students or your audience about basic evacuation procedures at the beginning of the semester or session.
- Consider adding it to your course syllabus or agenda.
- Ensure that individuals with mobility needs have the information they need.
- Add Campus Security numbers to your contacts.
During an Emergency
- Follow any instructions provided by VIU's emergency messaging.
- Follow instructions provided by Emergency Wardens (wearing high visibility safety vests) or first responders.
- Assign students/participants to assist anyone needing help.
- If evacuating, take personal belongings (wallet, keys, laptop) as rooms are not locked, unless there is an immediate danger.
- Earthquake? Loudly announce, "Drop, Cover, Hold On", as emergency messaging will be delayed. Wait at least 60 seconds before evacuating.
After an Emergency
- After an evacuation, do not re-enter the building until an All-Clear message is received.
- Try to account for students/participants. Report any injured or missing individuals to Campus Security, Emergency Wardens or first responders.
- If you have information about the emergency, notify Fire, Police or Campus Security at the scene.
- Try to let your department know your location and situation.
- Provide updates to your class or audience by staying informed.