Fire poses a serious risk to the VIU community, with potential impacts ranging from immediate threats to personal safety and property, to long-term disruptions in research, teaching, and campus operations.
In accordance with the BC Fire Code and Occupational Health and Safety legislation, VIU is required to maintain emergency procedures and comprehensive fire safety plans for all buildings. It is also essential that all faculty, staff, and students are trained in fire prevention and emergency response.
Fire safety is a shared responsibility. Being prepared and knowing how to respond quickly and safely during a fire or evacuation can save lives and protect our campus community.
Fire Safety Program
Fire drills are conducted at VIU to ensure the safety of our campus community and to maintain compliance with relevant codes and standards. These drills help familiarize building occupants with the sound of the fire alarms, evacuation procedures, and designated assembly points.
Typically, drills involve an alarm-based evacuation to simulate a real emergency scenario. They are coordinated in collaboration with various faculties and departments to ensure broad participation and preparedness.
Following each drill, the Office of Emergency Management evaluates the process, provides recommendations for improvement, and maintains official records for all fire drills conducted.
Remember, you must evacuate your building anytime you hear alarm bells ringing or voice instructions to evacuate —you never know when it may be the real thing. Head to the the nearest identified evacuation point, and await further instructions.
Every building on VIU’s campus is required to have a unique Fire Safety Plan. These plans, reviewed and approved by the Nanaimo Fire Department, include detailed emergency procedures, building maps, and clearly outline fire prevention and response expectations.
All members of the VIU community are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the Emergency Response Posters and evacuation instructions posted in their immediate work or study areas. Taking a moment to review this information can make a critical difference in the event of an emergency.
A variety of situations may require a building evacuation, including fires, hazardous material releases, earthquakes, or other emergencies. Even if the reason for the evacuation is not immediately clear, always evacuate promptly when an alarm sounds or when you determine it is necessary (e.g., after an earthquake). Follow the instructions of building wardens, emergency coordinators, campus security, and first responders at all times.
Evacuation Point Maps
Review the Evacuation Point maps by campus and building below. You can also download a printable (PDF) version of the maps.
Emergency Wardens
Emergency wardens play a vital role in ensuring the safety of building occupants by assisting during emergencies, supporting evacuations, and promoting fire prevention. Each building on campus should have at least one Emergency Warden per floor depending on the building size and layout. During evacuations, Emergency Wardens help ensure that all workspaces are cleared and guide occupants to Evacuation Points throughout campus.