Evacuation

An evacuation is the temporary and rapid removal of all individuals from a building or campus. Though the reason for evacuation may not be immediately clear, always evacuate at the sound of a fire alarm and follow directions from university officials

What might trigger an Evacuation

  • Fire
  • Bomb Threat
  • Suspicious package, item or vehicle
  • Hazardous spill/release
  • Earthquake

What to do during an Evacuation

Everyone’s Responsibilities

  • Remain calm
  • Gather all your personal belongings in the immediate area, if safe to do so – do not attempt to save any possessions at the risk of personal injury
  • Follow shutdown procedures in labs, shops and kitchen areas, if appropriate and safe
  • Leave the building via the nearest safe exit
  • Use stairs and walk, do not use elevators or run
  • Proceed to the assembly area
  • If you are unable to evacuate, wait in a refuge zone and call 9-1-1 or Campus Security to inform them of your location
  • Do not re-enter until authorized by university officials

Staff/Faculty Responsibilities

It is the responsibility of all staff and faculty to support the direction of Emergency Personnel, Campus Security and Facilities during an emergency evacuation. Staff should be familiar with the following:

  • The shortest route to the nearest Fire Exit and the location of an alternate Fire Exit.
  • The location of the nearest fire alarm pull station(s).
  • The location of the nearest fire extinguisher(s).
  • The location of the nearest refuge zone.
  • The location of the emergency assembly area(s) for your building.

During an evacuation

  • Identify evacuation route, check for possible hazards
  • Identify refuge zone for those unable to evacuate safety, ensure route and location have been checked for possible hazards
  • Direct people to the closest safe exit
  • Leave lights on
  • Check areas in your vicinity to ensure everyone is evacuated
  • Notify 9-1-1 or Campus Security of anyone requiring special assistance
  • Remain in assembly area until notified to return

Evacuation of persons with disabilities

Each member of the KPU community is encouraged to assist in the safe evacuation of persons with disabilities. Always ask someone with a disability if they need assistance and then ask how you can help before attempting any rescue or giving assistance. If a person is accompanied by any support worker, you need to communicate the emergency protocols with both the person and the worker together.

People with a mobility disability

  • If on the ground floor/possible emergency exit to the outside: Exit via the nearest emergency exit and proceed to the assembly area
  • All other floors: Proceed to the nearest refuge zone. Once you have arrived, call 9-1-1 and/or Campus Security so they are aware of your location and wait for rescue
  • Emergency Responders will decide whether people are safe where they are or will evacuate them as necessary

People who are hard of hearing or deaf

  • Get the attention of the person who is hard of hearing or deaf by tapping their shoulder
  • When you have eye contact state the problem – write a brief statement if the person does not seem to understand
  • Point to the flashing strobe which indicates the alarm is sounding
  • Gestures and pointing are helpful
  • Provide visual instructions to the safest route by pointing towards the exit signs
  • If the person is accompanied by a Sign Language interpreter, it is recommended you communicate the emergency protocols to the interpreter to relay to the student

People with a visual disability

  • Offer to lead the individual out of the building
  • Ask if they would like to hold onto your arm as you exit
  • Provide verbal instructions to assist in leaving the building safely
  • Provide further clarity e.g. elevators are not to be used
  • Continue to hold the individual’s attention with conversation and provide updates noting time/distance to the closest exit
  • If the individual chooses to remain in the area of refuge or another safe area, please provide the information to Campus Security or emergency responders stating their exact location

People who are neurodivergent

  • Provide reassurance about the situation
  • Ask the person directly what you can do to help. If the person is accompanied by any support worker, allow the person with their support worker decide how best you can help
  • Make space by trying to create a quiet, safe space as best you can
  • Move away from bright lights or sirens, whatever you can think of to reduce information overload
  • Assist the person in using calming strategies, for example headphones

People with a service animal

  • Do not touch the person or their service animal without their permission, unless it is a matter of life of death
  • Provide information to the service animal owner as to the nature of the hazards they are expected to face and any changes to the physical environment. The animal owner will assess whether or not it is safe for the animal to work through the emergency situation