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Emergency Planning

Evacuations

Emergencies can happen with little warning. Knowing where to exit and where to go once outside helps you act fast and stay safe. 

Building evacuations

What to do

  • Leave the building immediately using the nearest safe exit.
  • Once outside, move away from the building, being careful not to block pathways.
  • Go to your Building Emergency Assembly Point(s). In some situations, emergency personnel may ask you to move to a different location once outside.

What not to do

  • Do not re-enter the building until directed by emergency personnel.
  • Do not use elevators. 
  • Do not block stairwells, exits or pathways.

If you cannot use the stairs

1. Stay in place when safe to do so

Unless there is smoke or fire nearby, staying in place is often the safest option.

  • The building has several fire safety systems. These vary from building to building, but often include sprinklers, fire doors and fire detection and alarm systems.
  • The fire department is located nearby.

2. Move to a safer location if needed

  • Go to a designated Area of Refuge if your floor has one. They are usually located inside stairwells behind fire-rated doors.
  • If not available, move to a nearby enclosed room (e.g., office, classroom, meeting room) and close the door to reduce risk from smoke and fire.
  • Choose a room with an exterior window, if possible.

3. Ask someone to report your location

Ask someone nearby (e.g., classmate, coworker, Building Emergency Team member) to provide your exact location to Campus Security and the fire department when they leave the building. This will help emergency responders reach you faster.

4. Signal for help if conditions worsen

If you are alone and conditions change (e.g., smoke or fire nearby):

  • Call 911 immediately and give your location.
  • Use your phone flashlight or flick room lights on and off to draw attention.
  • Wave a cloth or item from a window if it is accessible and safe to do so.

What to expect from the fire department

Firefighters will check on you early in their response. Keep in mind:

  • Your safety is their priority.
  • They will assess the situation and decide whether to evacuate you or keep you safely in place.
  • It’s normal to feel anxious while waiting, but help is on the way.
  • If you feel in danger at any time, call 911 and then Campus Security at 250-721-7599.

Planning ahead

If you know that you may need assistance during an evacuation, consider doing the following in advance of a fire alarm:

  • Talking to your instructor, supervisor or residence staff about your needs
  • Reviewing your building’s evacuation plan and identifying Areas of Refuge (if your building has one)
  • Sharing your emergency plan with someone you trust
  • Learning more about accessibility and personal preparedness

Building Emergency Team

Evacuations are supported by the Building Emergency Team: people you may already know from your building. They usually wear safety vests, help guide others to the nearest exit and share critical information with emergency services. In most buildings, they are faculty and staff volunteers. In student residences, Community Leaders play a role in building evacuation when they are available in the building. If you need help, the Building Emergency Team members will make sure first responders know your location.

Learn how to volunteer with your Building Emergency Team. 

Building Emergency Assembly Point Maps

Each building has designated outdoor assembly point(s). You can view and download the Building Emergency Assembly Point Maps on individual building pages in the UVic Buildings directory. 

UVic Buildings directory

These maps are designed for print and may not be fully accessible online. For help locating your assembly points, please contact the emergency planner.

Campus-wide evacuation

If a campus-wide evacuation is required (e.g., due to a large fire or another widespread hazard):

  • Follow the directions of emergency services or university officials.
  • Leave using the nearest safe exit route, moving away from the affected area.

In the event of a major earthquake, UVic has a designated Campus Earthquake Assembly Area. Learn more on the Earthquake page.