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Staying Safe On Campus

Emergency Response Plans

Laurier’s emergency response plans are enacted by senior leaders when there is a significant emergency on campus or in the community. Severe weather, threats of violence, and civil disobedience are some examples of incidents that could be cause for enacting our plans.

Laurier has an emergency notification system (ENS) and SAFEHawk app to alert the campus community about safety threats.

Emergency Preparedness

Emergencies can happen at any time and your safety and recovery may depend on your existing level of preparedness. We strongly recommend all students download the SAFEHawk App. For more tips on how you can prepare for emergencies, go to the Government of Canada’s Get Prepared website.

For more information about emergency management and preparedness at Laurier, contact Emergency Management and Fire Safety Officer sherm@wlu.ca.

SafeHawk Safety App

Laurier’s new mobile safety app, available for Android, BlackBerry and Apple users, has many convenient features:

  • Tap to call Special Constables in an emergency.
  • Tap to call Foot Patrol for a walk home service.
  • Report suspicious activity on campus.
  • Quickly access campus and community support services.

Download SAFEHawk App

Working Alone

If you must work alone on campus, talk with your supervisor or faculty member about developing a working alone plan.

  • Inform someone (Special Constable Service or buddy) that you are working alone, your location, how long you expect to be working alone and when you have finished.
  • Keep office doors locked.
  • Never cover a window in a door or any other window that allows you to see people approaching the office space.
  • Do not perform hazardous activities when working alone.
  • Be aware of two ways out of a building.
  • Know where there are emergency phones or emergency pole stations near where you are working.
  • Call Special Constable Service (x3333 or 519.885.3333) in case of emergency or if you feel threatened or unsafe.
  • Install the SAFEHawk mobile safety app on your phone.
  • For more information, see university policy 7.15 on working alone.

Smoking on Campus

Did you know that smoking is the leading cause of premature death and disability in Canada? There is also evidence which indicates that exposure to second-hand smoke is hazardous to heath and can cause disease in healthy non-smokers.

The university is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for its employees and students and promotes compliance with provincial and municipal regulations. Refer to Laurier’s Policy 7.8: Smoking.

Smoking is currently prohibited in the following locations at Laurier:

  • Inside all university buildings owned, operated, leased or rented; in university-owned vehicles; on university sporting areas; on children’s playgrounds; and on university-operated bar and restaurant patios.
  • Within 20 m of playgrounds and sports fields.
  • Within 10 m of university buildings.

Enforcement for student infractions of this policy will be dealt with in accordance with applicable university policies for infractions in and around non-residence buildings, or the residence code of conduct for infractions in and around residence buildings.

For more information on Laurier’s smoking policy, contact Emergency Management and Fire Safety Officer sherm@wlu.ca.

Piloting a Drone or UAV

The non-recreational piloting of a drone, unmanned air vehicle or any other flying object launched from Laurier property are governed by legislation and university risk management requirements. Refer to the Piloting a Drone or UAV Application Form to review the risk management requirements and request permission to pilot a drone or UAV on the premises of Laurier property.

Asbestos

Asbestos continues to be present in a number of university buildings, in the form of insulation around piping and mechanical equipment, ceiling texture coats, drywall joint compound, flooring and ceiling tiles.

Recognizing the hazards that may arise when asbestos fibres become airborne as a result of disturbance or deterioration, the university is committed to a strict management program of all asbestos-containing materials in university buildings and any activities that may disturb such materials.

The university is committed to complying with the legislative requirements outlined under the Ontario Regulation Respecting Asbestos on Construction Projects in Building and Repair Operations (O. Reg. 278/05).

The university has an obligation to inform all occupants of any buildings containing asbestos. For more information, contact Occupational Hygienist and Environmental Health and Safety Specialist Geoff Schwarz.