Emergency response procedures

An evacuation response means you must exit your building as quickly as possible.

• Warn all persons in close proximity to evacuate
• Evacuate the building using the nearest safe exit, or as directed by a Floor Emergency Officer
• Do not use the elevators
• Go to the designated assembly location and stay put

A shelter-in-place response is used when there is a potential or perceived threat to your safety. To remain safe, you must:

• Warn all persons in close proximity to take shelter-in-place
• Close all doors and windows
• Stay away from exterior windows and doors
• Remain in place until the shelter-in-place requirement is lifted

A lockdown response means there is an immediate threat to your safety.

• Stop all activity
• Do not respond to a fire alarm during a lockdown as it may be a ploy by an intruder
• Find the nearest room where you feel safe, or stay in the area you are in at the time of notification unless notified otherwise
• Lock and barricade the door, and close any blinds or windows
• Turn off the lights or maintain minimal lighting
• Take cover
• Mute cell phones; only use cell phones to report injured people
• Remain secure until rescued by police

If you receive a bomb threat by telephone:

• Listen; do not interrupt the caller; remain calm and courteous
• Keep the caller talking and try to gain as much information as possible
  • Where is the bomb?
  • What does it look like?
  • What time will the bomb explode?
• Call the local emergency number as soon as the caller hangs up, provide as much detail as possible

In the event of a threat or act of violence:

• Remove yourself from any threatening situation
• Call the local emergency number

Receiving a violent threat:

By phone / voicemail

• Do not hang up or delete de voicemail
• Try to identify the caller – ask for his/her name and note conversation details
• Call the local emergency number

By email

• Do not delete the email
• Call the local emergency number

All incidents must be reported

If controlling the release is outside the scope of your knowledge and training:

• Warn persons nearby to evacuate the area
• Do not attempt to clean up any released hazardous materials
• Call the local emergency number from a safe area

If exposed:

• Seek first aid assistance / emergency shower

If you discover a fire or smell smoke, pull fire alarm:

• Warn all persons in close proximity to evacuate
• Evacuate the building using the nearest exit
• Do not use the elevators
• Go to the designated assembly location and stay put

If you cannot evacuate

• Seek a safe location and close the door and all windows
• Seal all gaps where smoke can penetrate the room
• Keep low to the floor if smoke enters the room
• Call the local emergency number and report your situation and location
• Remain secure until rescued by firefighters

If you witness an incident involving an armed aggressor:

• Remove yourself from any threatening situation
• Call the local emergency number
• Follow instructions from the emergency responder
• Remain secure

Medical emergency

• Call the local emergency number
• Seek assistance from first aid attendant
• Remain with the injured or ill person(s) until help arrives
• Provide information as necessary

During an earthquake

• Do not exit the building during the shaking
• Seek shelter under a solid desk, table or other furniture; or move to an inside wall or sturdy doorway and sit with your back to the wall
• Stay away from windows, mirrors, bookcases, tall furniture and light fixtures

After an earthquake

• Be prepared for aftershocks
• Stay where you are for at least 60 seconds after shaking
• Evacuate the building cautiously, check for unstable objects and other hazards around you
• Do not use the elevators
• Go to the designated assembly location and stay put

• Seek shelter in the centre of the lowest accessible level
• Stay away from exterior walls and windows
• Once the tornado has passed, evacuate the building cautiously
• Do not use the elevators
• Go to the designated assembly location and stay put

If you notice a flood or a major water leak:

• Do not approach the water as it may be in contact with a source of electricity
• Warn nearby persons not to approach (put up warning signs and/or caution tape)
• Call the facility manager or building coordinator to report the flood or leak

• Wait for a few minutes to see if power returns
• Do not use candles, matches, lighters or other open flames as light
• Stay put and wait for instructions