Emergency planning
Emergency management helps the university prepare for, respond to and recover from emergencies. This includes emergency planning, training and community engagement. Our goal is to help protect people, property, the environment and UVic operations.
Emergencies may happen at any time. Here are the essential emergency procedures every member of the UVic community should know.
- Call 911 first, then call Campus Security at 250-721-7599.
- Emergency contacts & 24-hour assistance
- Download the UVic SafetyApp.
- Subscribe to UVic Alerts.
- Check the UVic website and official UVic social media accounts for updates.
Exits & evacuation
All building exits are clearly marked with illuminated EXIT signs placed above or beside each exit door.
You can also review two maps, posted near main exit routes in most buildings:
- Evacuation plan (shows locations of exits, fire pull stations and fire extinguishers)
- Building Emergency Assembly Point Map (shows designated outside assembly areas)
For more information about evacuation procedures, see the Evacuations page.
Shelter-in-place
Shelter-in-place means stay indoors until it’s safe to leave. You may be asked to shelter in place if something outside makes it unsafe to leave the building.
What to do
- Stay indoors.
- Close all doors and windows.
- Wait for official instructions from UVic or emergency responders.
- Do not evacuate unless you are told to do so.
- Hazardous materials or gas leak nearby
- Poor outdoor air quality (e.g., wildfire smoke or chemical spill)
- Police activity in the surrounding area
- UVic Alerts (e.g., text message, email)
- UVic SafetyApp
- Messages (written or verbal) from emergency personnel or Building/Floor Emergency Coordinators
Shelter-in-place instructions are always temporary. You'll be notified when it’s safe to resume normal activities or leave the area.
Emergency info & equipment
Each building has emergency information posted, including its building number (a unique number you can provide to the 911 operator) and emergency procedures posters.
You can also find emergency equipment like AEDs and opioid emergency kits across campus. Learn more.
