The Office of Emergency Management is responsible for:
Building awareness - three simple steps
While governments and organizations at all levels are working hard to keep our communities, province and country safe, everyone has a role to play in being prepared for an emergency. The first step to emergency preparedness is building awareness. We encourage all members of the campus community to take three simple steps to become better educated to face a range of emergencies:
1. Know the risks
Learn about the natural hazards in Canada and in your region. More importantly, learn how to prepare for them – a natural hazard need not be a natural disaster. Being prepared can make a world of difference.
2. Make an emergency plan
By definition, emergencies happen when we don't expect them, and often when families are not together. Suddenly, you need to think about your children at school or elderly parents across town. If phones don't work, or some neighbourhoods aren't accessible, what will you do?
Having a family emergency plan will save time and make real situations less stressful. To get started, you can view Public Safety Canada's video "Make an Emergency Plan."
It will take you about 20 minutes to make a family emergency plan. Before you begin, think about:
- Safe exits from home and neighbourhood
- Meeting places to reunite with family or roommates
- Designated person to pick up children should you be unavailable
- Contact persons close by and out of town
- Health and insurance information
- Places for your pet to stay
- Risks in your region
- Location of your fire extinguisher, water valve, electrical panel, gas valve and floor drain
3. Make an emergency kit
In case of a major event you will need some basic supplies. Many emergency kit items may already be in your home. Get started now – choose one and take a first step to get prepared!
4. Sign up for MUNSafe notifications