Emergency Preparedness Week

This week (May 3–9) is Emergency Preparedness Week across Canada. Emergencies may be disruptive and disturbing, but planning ahead can make a big difference.

UVic’s plans include over 500 members of the campus community who are directly involved with emergency response as building and floor emergency coordinators, site response team members, Emergency Operations Centre staff and the executive policy group.

Here are a few pointers to help you improve your ability to respond when and if the unexpected happens.

You can use your cell phone to provide an emergency contact. Enter the telephone number in your contacts list under “ICE” (In Case of Emergency). If you are injured and unable to use your phone, “ICE” will help a first responder identify and call your emergency contact.

Fourteen new security phones have been installed on campus, featuring a highly visible red emergency call button that provides a direct link to Campus Security Services. They are free to use and also function as courtesy phones. Location info »

Disaster Response Route signs with yellow and black triangles have been posted along major highways. These are not evacuation routes. During a large regional emergency, these transportation lifelines will be the routes used to quickly move emergency responders (e.g. fire, police and ambulance) to areas in need. They will be the first routes to be cleared, and will initially be available only to designated responders.

“Drop, cover and hold” remains the best response to earthquakes. Remember that there may be significant aftershocks—if the shaking lasts for longer than a minute, stay away from the shoreline and seek higher ground.
The UVic Emergency Alerts system will, if a major emergency occurs on campus, attempt to send all members of the campus community messages by email, voicemail, Voice over Internet Protocol phone, and (for those registered) SMS text message. You can sign up for emergency notifications on your mobile phone at www.uvic.ca/alerts. Information will also be provided as appropriate on the web at www.uvic.ca, via the emergency information phone line at 250–721–8620 and on CFUV campus community radio at 101.9 fm.

Why not use Emergency Preparedness Week every year to check that your home smoke detectors are operational and your emergency supplies are replenished?

For more information online or ddonald@uvic.ca