A UVic geologist has led the discovery of an active fault line that runs a few kilometres from downtown Victoria, including the Esquimalt Lagoon area and just offshore from James Bay and Clover Point.

Firefighters, search and rescue workers and paramedics put their lives on the line for our safety every day, yet we tend to take their health for granted. “They’re so busy taking care of others, they sometimes don’t pay enough attention to taking care of themselves,” says Lynneth Stuart-Hill, an occupational physiologist in UVic’s School of Exercise Science, Physical and Health Education. Stuart-Hill’s research looks for ways to improve working conditions for first responders, whom she calls “occupational athletes.”

With the forecast indicating the possibility of heavy snow tomorrow, we wanted to provide this guidance to leaders who may be receiving questions from staff and faculty.

Rob Johns has seen first-hand the destruction and chaos that large-scale disasters can cause. In his previous role with the City of Victoria, UVic’s new manager of emergency planning visited Louisiana and Mississippi following Hurricane Katrina, and Christchurch, New Zealand after its major earthquakes. “Seeing such massive damage really drives home the importance of emergency planning,” Johns says. “Especially in Christchurch, with its similarities to Victoria in terms of earthquake risks and impacts, I was forcefully reminded that, while we can’t prevent these disasters from happening, we can and must prepare for them.”

The Great BC ShakeOut happens Oct.15 at exactly 10:15 a.m.—so be ready to DROP, COVER and HOLD ON! 

Have you checked your emergency kit lately? May 3-9 is Emergency Preparedness Week (EP Week) across Canada, a perfect time to review what to do in the event of a crisis on campus or at home.

May 4–10 is Emergency Preparedness Week, a great time to check your emergency kit and review what to do in the event of a crisis on campus, or at home. Emergency Preparedness Week is a national event that takes place every year during the first full week of May. EP Week encourages Canadians to become better prepared for a range of emergencies, by taking three simple steps:

All UVic employees will soon receive a copy of the new and improved UVic Emergency Procedures poster. Take the time to review the procedures for each type of emergency - just in case.