Emergency Preparedness

Know What to Do Before an Emergency

Find practical guidance, preparedness information, and safety resources to help you respond to emergencies and reduce risks on campus.

Prepare for Common Campus Emergencies

Emergencies can happen with little warning. Knowing where to find reliable information and taking a few simple steps in advance can help you respond more safely and confidently.

  • Learn the emergency procedures for the buildings you use
  • Know how to contact 911 and Western Special Constable Service
  • Sign up for AlertWesternU notifications
  • Identify exits, evacuation routes, and safe meeting locations
  • Keep important contact information available
  • Report hazards, suspicious activity, and safety concerns promptly

Use the resources below to prepare for specific situations and learn what actions to take.

Emergency Preparedness Topics

Emergency Situations

Learn what to do during common campus emergencies, including when to call 911, evacuate, shelter in place, or follow emergency instructions.

Active Attacker

Learn the actions to take during an active attacker incident and how to follow emergency instructions from police and University officials.

Personal Safety

Explore practical steps for staying aware, planning ahead, reducing personal risk, and getting help when something does not feel right.

Property Theft Prevention

Learn practical ways to protect personal belongings, reduce opportunities for theft, and report missing or stolen property.

Online Safety

Learn how to protect your accounts, personal information, and devices while recognizing common scams, fraud, and online threats.

Campus Road and Building Safety

Find guidance for safely navigating campus roads, parking areas, construction zones, buildings, entrances, and shared spaces.

Get Help During an Emergency

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

For urgent campus safety concerns that are not emergencies, contact Western Special Constable Service at 519-661-3300.

Call 911 Call WSCS

AlertWesternU

Sign up for AlertWesternU to receive urgent notifications and instructions during significant emergencies or disruptions affecting campus.

Learn About AlertWesternU

Blue Emergency Phones

Blue emergency phones provide a direct way to request help from locations across campus when you need immediate assistance.

Find Blue Emergency Phones