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Emergency Situations

Know How to Respond in an Emergency

Review the immediate actions to take during common campus emergencies and follow instructions from emergency responders and University officials.

When to Call 911

Call 911 when there is an immediate threat to life, a serious crime in progress, a fire, a medical emergency, or another situation requiring police, fire, or paramedic response.

  • Someone is seriously injured or needs urgent medical help
  • You see fire, smoke, or another immediate fire hazard
  • A violent incident or serious crime is occurring
  • There is an immediate threat involving a weapon
  • A person is in immediate danger
  • A hazardous situation presents an urgent risk to people or property

Give the dispatcher your exact location, describe what is happening, answer their questions, and follow their instructions.

Call 911

Evacuation

Evacuate when a fire alarm sounds, when you are directed to leave, or when remaining in the area may be unsafe.

  • Leave immediately using the nearest safe exit
  • Do not use elevators unless emergency personnel direct you to do so
  • Take only essential personal items that are within reach
  • Help others when it is safe to do so
  • Move away from the building and keep entrances clear
  • Go to the designated assembly area, if one has been identified
  • Do not re-enter until emergency personnel or University officials say it is safe

Follow instructions from emergency responders and do not delay your evacuation to gather belongings or investigate the situation.

Shelter in Place

Shelter in place when leaving the building or area may expose you to greater danger, or when directed by emergency responders or University officials.

  • Move to a safe indoor location
  • Close and secure doors and windows when appropriate
  • Move away from exterior windows and exposed areas
  • Silence phones and remain as quiet as possible when the situation requires it
  • Monitor AlertWesternU and other official University communications
  • Follow instructions from 911 dispatchers, emergency responders, and University officials
  • Remain sheltered until you are told it is safe to leave

The safest sheltering actions may vary depending on the emergency. Follow official instructions whenever they are available.

Medical Emergency

Call 911 when someone is seriously injured, becomes suddenly ill, is unresponsive, has difficulty breathing, or requires urgent medical assistance.

  • Provide the exact location and describe what has happened
  • Follow the instructions provided by the 911 dispatcher
  • Do not move the person unless they are in immediate danger
  • Provide first aid only within your level of training
  • Send someone to meet emergency responders and guide them to the location
  • Keep the area clear and remain with the person until help arrives, when it is safe to do so

When calling from campus, clearly identify the building, room number, entrance, or nearby landmark.

Call 911

Fire or Smoke

If you see fire or smoke, activate the nearest fire alarm, leave the building immediately, and call 911 from a safe location.

  • Use the nearest safe exit
  • Do not use elevators
  • Close doors behind you when it is safe to do so
  • Stay low if smoke is present
  • Move away from the building and keep emergency access routes clear
  • Do not re-enter until emergency personnel say it is safe

Do not attempt to fight a fire unless it is small, you have been trained, you have a clear escape route, and it is safe to do so.

Call 911

Severe Weather

During severe weather, move indoors, monitor official University communications, and follow instructions from emergency responders or University officials.

  • Move away from windows, glass, and exterior doors
  • Go to an interior room or lower level when directed
  • Avoid elevators if there is a risk of a power outage
  • Stay away from flooded areas, fallen trees, and damaged electrical equipment
  • Monitor AlertWesternU and other official University updates
  • Remain sheltered until officials indicate that conditions are safe

Do not leave a safe location to investigate storm damage or changing conditions.

Hazardous Materials or Unusual Odours

If you notice a chemical spill, gas smell, unusual odour, unknown substance, or another possible hazardous-materials concern, move away from the area and avoid contact.

  • Do not touch, move, or attempt to clean up the substance
  • Leave the immediate area and prevent others from entering when it is safe to do so
  • Avoid using electrical switches, open flames, or anything that may create a spark if a gas leak is suspected
  • Call 911 if there is an immediate danger, someone has been exposed, or anyone is experiencing symptoms
  • Provide the exact location and describe what you observed
  • Follow instructions from emergency responders and University officials

Do not re-enter the area until emergency personnel confirm that it is safe.

Power Outage or Building Systems Failure

During a power outage or building systems failure, remain calm, use caution, and follow instructions from University officials or emergency responders.

  • Stop activities that may become unsafe without power, lighting, ventilation, or other building systems
  • Use emergency lighting and move carefully through hallways, stairwells, and exits
  • Do not use elevators during a power outage
  • Unplug sensitive equipment when it is safe to do so
  • Report trapped occupants, medical concerns, smoke, unusual odours, or other immediate hazards to 911
  • Leave the building if directed or if conditions become unsafe

Do not attempt to repair electrical, mechanical, or building systems unless you are authorized and trained to do so.

Suspicious Package or Bomb Threat

Treat suspicious packages, threatening messages, and bomb threats seriously. Do not touch or disturb a suspicious item.

  • Move away from the item or affected area
  • Do not handle, open, move, or inspect the package
  • Call 911 from a safe location and provide the exact location and a clear description
  • Follow instructions from the 911 dispatcher and emergency responders
  • Do not activate alarms or direct others to evacuate unless instructed, as the safest response may depend on the circumstances
  • Keep others away from the area when it is safe to do so

If you receive a threat by phone, email, message, or note, preserve the information and report it immediately. Do not delete messages or discard written material.

Call 911

After an Emergency

Once the immediate danger has passed, continue to follow official instructions and avoid returning to affected areas until they have been declared safe.

  • Follow directions from emergency responders and University officials
  • Do not enter restricted or damaged areas
  • Report injuries, hazards, property damage, or missing people promptly
  • Preserve relevant messages, photos, documents, or other information
  • Check official University communications for updates and recovery instructions
  • Access available support services if the event has affected your wellbeing

Only share confirmed information from official sources to help prevent confusion and misinformation.

Active Attacker Response

Review the specific actions to take during an active attacker incident, including how to respond when it is safe to leave, shelter, or contact emergency services.

View Active Attacker Guidance

AlertWesternU

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