Emergency Procedures 

In the event of an emergency

In the event of an emergency requiring police, fire, or ambulance, dial 911 immediately.

Be ready to report the exact location of the emergency or patient, and the nature of injuries.  

Ensure the scene is safe and there are no further hazards to people in the area or yourself. 

Do not move the patient unless there is a high risk of further injury or death. Keep calm and do not leave the patient unattended unless doing so creates an imminent risk. 

Be prepared to assist if requested by the First Aid Attendant or Paramedic. 

Emergency Commands 

Lock Down

One of the instructions you may be given in an emergency is to lock down. This is aimed at keeping you safe while remaining indoors. Lock down means immediately taking refuge inside a secure area/ room of the building; do not stay in open or common areas. 

If a lock down is advised for a CNC building, all persons in the affected building will be told that CNC is preparing to lock down. Please proceed to a secure area and lock the door behind you. When CNC Security, CNC staff, or external authorities announce the decision to lock down, you must follow their directions. 

Remember: Do not leave the building until authorized to do so by Security, CNC staff, or external authorities. 

Evacuate 

An emergency evacuation order will be announced with the sound of the fire alarm bell.

  • Leave the building immediately via the nearest exit. If the situation permits, close doors and windows, disconnect laboratory power equipment, secure safes and cash registers, and take personal belongings with you only if they are readily available.   
  • Do not use elevators under any circumstances. 
  • Assist persons in wheelchairs to the nearest fire exit stairwell (assisted evacuation area). Inform Security, Facilities, or emergency response personnel if someone needs help to evacuate. Assisted evacuation areas are indicated on the evacuation plans posted in hallways.
  • Follow the directions of Security, Facilities, or emergency response personnel on site.
  • Once outside, move to the closest assembly area located in the various parking lots; these areas are identified with signs.
    • After hours (11pm to 7am), you must leave out through the nearest exit and then congregate at the assembly area in front of the campus to wait for instructions.
    • Do not block exit doors or impede the movement of others leaving the building.  
  • Notify emergency response personnel at the scene if you are aware of some individuals that are still in the building (i.e. in evacuation areas, or who are injured).
  • Keep roads and walkways clear for emergency vehicles. 

Evacuation of persons requiring assistance 

Visually Impaired persons

  • Tell the person the nature of the emergency and offer to guide them. 
  • As you walk, describe where you are and advise of any obstacles. 
  • When you have reached a safe location, tell the person where they are. 
  • Ask if any further assistance is needed. Do not leave them alone until further help arrives. 

Hearing Impaired persons

Persons with impaired hearing may not perceive emergency alarms and an alternative warning technique is required.

  • Either: write down what the emergency is and the nearest evacuation route (e.g. “Fire – go out the rear door downstairs to the right, NOW!”) 
  • Or: Turn the light switch on and off and gain attention, then indicate (through gestures or in writing) what is happening and what to do. 

Mobility Impaired persons

  • Wheelchair users and those unable to descend the stairs unassisted should stay in the assisted evacuation area until they are assisted down the stairs by enough people so it can be done safely.  
  • If you have mobility impairments but are able to get down the stairs unassisted, wait in the assisted evacuation area until the stairwell is clear and then proceed down. 
  • Assisted evacuation areas are indicated on the evacuation plans posted in hallways