Emergency Procedures

Wilfrid Laurier University is committed to providing a safe and respectful environment to live, learn and work. All members of the Laurier community should familiarize themselves with our emergency procedures.

In Case of Emergency

Contact Special Constables through the SAFEHawk app, or by phone at 519.885.3333, or call 911.

Lockdown: Imminent and Active Threat to Life and Safety

Action: Run, hide, act:

• Run: If it is safe and you are able to do so, move quickly to a safe location.
• Hide: If it is unsafe, or you are unable to run, lock/barricade door; stay quiet/silence phones; do not leave until directed by emergency responders.
• Act: Take necessary action to protect yourself if you can’t run or hide.

Definition: A lockdown involves securing the campus due to a serious active emergency where the threat is in the institution, on, or near university property, such as an active intruder. A lockdown is initiated when there is an imminent threat to the life and safety of the campus community. In a lockdown all outer doors are locked, and all employee, students, and visitors remain locked in classrooms with inner doors locked/barricaded. Entry and exit from all campus buildings is restricted to emergency services personnel only.

Hold and Secure: Nearby Off-Campus Threat Affecting Safety

Action: Hold and secure:

• If you are on campus, go or stay inside and await instruction.
• No one can leave until instructed to do so.
• All exterior doors locked.
• Stay away from windows and doors.
• University continues to function inside.
• If you are off campus, avoid the area.

Definition: A "Hold and Secure" involves securing the outer doors of the university due to an ongoing threat/incident in the general vicinity of the university that is unrelated to Laurier. The university continues to function normally, with the exterior doors locked, and no one leaves or enters the buildings until the situation is resolved and emergency personnel give the "all clear." These situations may be the result of incidents that, while not occurring on campus, they may affect campus safety.

Shelter in Place: External Hazard / Stay Inside as Precaution

Action: Shelter in place:

• Enter/remain inside and await further instructions.
• Move to interior of room or stay away from exterior windows and doors.
• University continues to function inside.
• In extreme weather (e.g. tornado), move to lowest level of building, closet, bathroom or under staircase.

Definition: A "shelter in place" involves keeping all occupants indoors to protect them from an external situation. A "shelter in place" response is initiated when there is a threat or hazard outside the campus (e.g. gas leak, fire at a nearby location, or extreme weather conditions), and employees and students stay inside the buildings as a precaution. During a "shelter in place," normal indoor activities occur.

Hazardous/Chemical Spill

Action: Assess then act:

• Internal spill: Evacuate the area/building then call Special Constable Service and provide the type of chemical, size and possible exposures.
• External hazard: Shelter in place and seal doors/windows/vents from noxious fumes; turn off all fans, air conditioners/heaters.

Fire/Evacuation

Action: Evacuate immediately:

• Activate nearest fire alarm and proceed to nearest exit.
• Call Special Constable Service or 911.
• Use stairs, not elevators, and assist persons requiring help.
• Meet at the designated safe area and account for individuals.
• Re-enter area only when authorized by emergency responders.

Medical Emergency

Action: Contact Special Constable Service / 911:

• Provide name, location and type of emergency.
• Stay on the phone for instructions.
• Move injured only if danger is imminent.