Emergency Responses

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Other Emergency Responses


Responding in an Active Threat Situation (Lockdown)

In this video you will learn what to do if you ever confront the unthinkable: an individual shooting at people at random in a populated area.

Warning

The video simulates the conditions you might experience during an active shooter event. Some people might find the video disturbing. It might help to view the video with others, such as classmates, friends or colleagues, so you can talk about it after you have watched it. If you think you need to talk to a professional, there are resources available: If you are a TWU student, staff, or faculty member, you can contact the University Wellness Centre, located on the second floor of Douglas Centre. Call 604-513-2024, email wellnessinfo@twu.ca, or visit the University Wellness Centre here.

Questions about campus safety

If you have any questions about safety on TWU campuses, contact Campus Security at 604-513-2121 ext. 3843.

More information about active shooters and active shooter events

Please visit this information page for further information and questions and answers.

To ask a question or make a comment

Please email us at securityinfo@twu.ca or call 604-513-2121 ext. 3428. back to top


Building Evacuation

  • When the fire alarm is activated, follow posted evacuation routes.
  • Do NOT use elevators!
  • Take personal belongings.
  • Assist people with disabilities.
  • Go to your designated gathering place.

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Shelter-in-Place (Stay and Wait)

In the event that a shelter-in-place is advised for a TWU building, take the following steps immediatly:

  • Close all windows and internal doors, but do not lock.
  • If you are told there is danger of explosion, close the window shades, blinds or curtains and stay away from windows.
  • If you are told hazardous materials have been released into the atmosphere seal a) all cracks around the doors and b) any vents into the room(s).
  • Gather essential supplies like bottled water, first-aid supplies, flashlights, and plastic bags.
  • Go to interior room(s), if possible above the ground floor with the fewest windows and/or vents.
  • Unless there is an imminent threat, call Campus Security at #2099 to let them know: your phone number, where you are, the names of those who are with you, and that you are safe.
  • When the "All Clear" is announced, open windows and doors until the building's air has been exchanged with clean outdoor air.
  • REMEMBER: Do not leave the building until authorized to do so by TWU Security or external authorities.

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Fire

  • Activate the nearest fire alarm pull station, if available. 
  • Alert people in your area of the danger and of the need to evacuate, assisting those with disabilities.
  • Shut down any equipment which may add fuel to the fire.
  • Immediately exit the building, closing doors between you and the fire. Do NOT use elevators!
  • Go to your department’s gathering place, staying at least 300 feet from the building.
  • Dial Campus Security at #2099 after reaching a place of safety.

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If Trapped in Smoke

  • If you are able, drop to your knees and crawl toward an exit.
  • Hold your breath as much as possible.
  • Breathe slowly through nose using a towel or shirt as a filter.

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If Trapped in a Room

  • Close as many doors as possible between you and the fire.
  • Place cloth material (wet if possible) around or under the door to prevent smoke from entering the room.
  • Be prepared to signal from a window to someone outside or by shouting at regular intervals.

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When to use an Extinguisher

  • Only use an extinguisher to attempt to extinguish a Small fire and only If you have been trained to use an extinguisher
  • An extinguisher can be used to suppress a fire that blocks your exit from the building.
  • Remember PASS, the four basic steps to operating a fire extinguisher:

P: Pull the pin  A: Aim the extinguisher hose at the base of the fire  S: Squeeze the lever  S: Sweep from side to side back to top


Emergency or Urgent Medical Situations

  • For first aid, call Campus Security at #2099.
  • Do not expose yourself to someone else’s blood or body fluids.
  • If someone is unconscious and may have suffered Sudden Cardiac Arrest, be sure that Campus Safety has been called

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Work Related Injury or Illness

  • For work related injury / illness care beyond first aid (when an ambulance is not called) contact Human Resources, at #3052.
  • Inform your supervisor and fill out an Employee Injury Report within 24 hours

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Utility Failure

  • Call Campus Security at #2099 24/7/365 to report an electrical power failure, gas line break, heating emergency or water main break.
  • Do not use candles for lighting. Emergency lighting for exit routes will activate in a power outage.
  • Unplug electrical equipment including computers.
  • If necessary activate the building fire alarm to evacuate the building.
  • Do not use elevators.
  • Notify Campus Security of the location of any persons trapped in an elevator.

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Hazardous Material Releases

If you discover a hazardous material spill

  • Remove yourself from the area and keep others away. Try to stay upstream, uphill and upwind of the accident.
  • From a safe place, call Campus Security at #2099
  • Give your name, phone number and location. Give your report without re-entering the spill area.
    • location of the spill
    • name and amount of material spilled (if known)
    • extent of injuries
    • safest route to the spill

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Suspicious Persons & Criminal Behaviour

  • If you witness Criminal or Suspicious Behaviour, call Campus Security at #2099 and provide as much information as possible as to what is happening, where and who is involved.
  • Stay on the line with Campus Security to provide additional information until officers arrive, if your safety is not in jeopardy.
  • If a threat is imminent, leave the area and notify others of the threat as you come in contact with them.
  • Do not physically confront a suspicious-looking person. Do NOT put yourself at risk.

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Suspicious Mail or Package Items That May Make it Suspicious

  • Restricted marking such as “Personal” or “Special Delivery”.
  • No return address or one that cannot be verified as legitimate.
  • A city or state in the postmark that does not match the return address.
  • Unusual weight based on size 
    • asymmetrical
    • odd shape
    • rigid or
    • bulky package.
  • Strange odours, oily stains, crystallization, protruding wires, excessive tape or string.

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If You Receive A Suspicious Letter or Package

  • Do not try to open it.
  • Isolate it by keeping others out of the area.
  • Call Campus Security at #2099.

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Demonstrations

  • If the demonstration is peaceful and non-obstructive, contact Campus Security at #2099 to report the demonstration and to check if it has been authorized.
  • If the demonstration is hostile, get to a safe location immediately and contact Campus Security at #2099.
  • Do not argue with those demonstrating and keep your opinions to yourself.

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Weather Emergency / Severe (Thunder) Storm Warning

  • If you can hear thunder you are within striking distance for lightning. Seek sturdy indoor shelter and stay away from windows.
  • Do not touch anything that conducts electricity.
  • Be prepared to evacuate to shelter area.
  • Check online weather reports.
  • Upon notification proceed to posted shelter area and notify others you meet to do the same.
  • Do not use elevators.
  • Assist those with disabilities to the safest area on the floor (interior corridor, room, office).

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Earthquake

  • Remain calm and take cover underneath desk or table and hold on.
  • If no cover is available, move to the closest interior wall.
  • Protect your head and neck - kneel with your back to the wall, or better, inside corner, cover sides of head with elbows and clasp hands firmly behind your neck.
  • Stay away from windows, objects which could fall, or areas storing hazardous materials.
  • Stay where you are. Do not run outside, falling debris may cause injury.
  • Do not use elevators.
  • If outdoors, stay in an open area. Do not enter buildings.
  • If driving, pull the vehicle to the side of the road and stop. Avoid bridges, overpasses, buildings, or power lines. Remain inside the vehicle until the shaking is over.
  • Be prepared for aftershocks.

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Bomb Threat

  • After a threat is received 
    • Follow directions of Campus Security and law enforcement officials.
    • If you are in a building that has received a bomb threat, DO NOT use your cell phone. Turn off all 2-way radios, cell phones, pagers or anything else that can transmit a signal. The signal that is transmitted when you use one of these electronic devices could actually set off the bomb.
  • Use the checklist as found below to gather useful information from the caller.
  • Record the date, exact time and phone number of where call came from.
  • Call Campus Security at #2099 immediately and report the information.

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Bomb Threat Checklist

Listen - Do Not Interrupt - Keep the Caller Talking

  • What time will the bomb go off?
  • Where is the bomb located?
  • Write out the entire message
  • Write down the date and time
  • Identity of the caller: name, gender, age
  • Which of these describe the caller?
Voice Speech Language Manner Background noises
Loud  Fast  Excellent  Calm  Factory machines 
High pitch   Stutter  Fair  Coherent  Animals 
Raspy  Slurred  Good  Deliberate  Quiet
Soft  Slow  Poor  Righteous  Street traffic 
Deep  Distorted  Foul  Angry  Music 
Pleasant  Nasal  Accent  Irrational  Office machines 
  • After the call: 
    • Notify Campus Security immediately at #2099.
    • Do not talk with anyone unless instructed to do so by Campus Security.

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Train Derailment (Always evacuate)

Due to the close proximity of the railway line alongside our Langley campus which transports various hazardous materials, it is important to prepare for the eventuality of a train derailment. The railway line is operated by Canadian Pacific (CP) and policed by CP Police. The emergency contact number for both departments is 1-800-716-9132. If you don’t have this number to hand in an emergency, contact 911 and they will direct your call. In the event of a derailment campus should be evacuated immediately until emergency services have declared it safe to return. For full response details please refer to CP Community Emergency Planning Guide. Please remember the following points if you observe a train derailment or similar emergency.

  • Contact CP Rail on 1-800-716-9132 or call 911.
  • Inform Campus Security on ext. 2099 or directly on 604 513 2099.
  • Evacuate campus immediately.
  • Take your personal belongings with you if they are close to hand.
  • Notify others as you evacuate.
  • Avoid being down wind of any potential spillage.
  • Do not return to campus until it has been confirmed safe to return by emergency services.