Emergency Preparedness

Emergency Preparedness Checklist

Although rare, emergencies can happen within residence.

On-call Residence Advisors are trained to respond in the event of an emergency and are certified in First Aid and CPR. Other supports include the Residence Life Manager, Campus Security, and Kelowna RCMP.

If a major emergency or disaster occurs, officials say you need be prepared to be self-sufficient for 72 hours, even in residence. That may sound extreme, but if you’re ready, you’ll be able to respond confidently and safely during an emergency situation.

Leak or flood

  • Inform the Front Desk immediately and let them know the source of the water leak: roof, window, pipe, washroom, etc.
  • Do not walk through water.
  • Avoid wet wires, electrical equipment and power out­lets.
  • Do not attempt to use moisture-dam­aged equipment.

Fire

  • Douse small fires with fire extinguishers, located in residence common areas.
  • For a spreading blaze, pull the fire alarm, leave the building by the nearest exit and call 9-1-1.
  • Avoid flames, smoke and fumes by staying low to the ground.
  • Do not use elevators.
  • Walk, don’t run, and use handrails as you descend stairs.
  • If you cannot safely get downstairs, go to the nearest safe area and wait for a firefighter.

Wildfire

Nearly one third of all wildfires in B.C. are detected and reported by the general public. Public wildfire reports have resulted in immeasurable savings in property damage, forest resources and fire suppression dollars. Learn how to report a wildfire and what to do if a wildfire is threatening the campus.

Severe weather

  • Expect power outages and phone disruptions, even for your mobile phone.
  • Avoid overhead hazards, such as tree branches and power lines.
  • Avoid glass and debris on sidewalks and roads.

Power outage

  • Keep flashlights and other emergency sup­plies nearby.
  • Do not attempt to use computers, TVs, ste­reos or other electrical equipment.
  • Avoid moving around in the dark unless you have a flashlight.
  • Do not attempt to examine, repair or open electrical equipment.
  • Keep the fridge closed in a blackout, to avoid having the contents get warm and spoil.

Intruder

  • Don’t allow someone without a key to follow you into your building.
  • If an intruder appears angry or threatening, keep a safe distance away. Listen to what he or she says. Do not argue or raise your voice. Try to calm him or her down.
  • Call 9-1-1 and inform residence staff immediately. Avoid remaining alone with an intruder.
  • If an intruder leaves a parcel, envelope or suspicious item behind, do not touch it. Tell a staff member immediately.

Boil water advisory

  • Boil all tap water used for drinking, brushing teeth, pre­paring food, beverages, ice cubes, and wash­ing fruits and vegetables.
  • Tap water should be boiled for one minute. Then let it cool and pour it into a clean container.

Emergency kits

  • Make it easy to carry and easy to grab quickly. A backpack or light gym bag are ideal.
  • Include two litres of water per person, per day, for 72 hours.
  • Pack food that won’t spoil, such as canned food, energy bars and dried foods. Remember to replace food and water once a year.
  • Pack a manual can opener, flashlight and batteries, battery-powered or wind-up radio, extra batteries, spare keys, and a first aid kit.
  • Include special-needs items, if necessary, such as prescription medications, toiletries, equipment for people with disabil­ities, glasses or contact lenses.
  • Don’t forget cash, especially smaller bills and coins, for use in pay phones or vending machines.
  • Make sure you have contact information handy for people you will need to get in touch with, like relatives in and out of town.

Emergency room entry

Authorized personnel of the University may enter your accommodation, without prior notice, for reasons of health, safety or general community welfare, or to make repairs and deliveries to the room and room equipment, or to inspect the premises, or to investigate possible breaches of the Residence Contract. When possible, 24 hours notice will be given to an accommodation holder. Residence Life Staff will not access a resident room without permission from the Residence Life Manager.

Resources