The Office of Emergency Preparedness at York University is hosting a series of training sessions for members of the community who are involved in the Emergency Response Warden Program.
Established to ensure the safe and prompt evacuation of staff, faculty and students from designated areas during emergencies and drills, the Emergency Response Warden Program relies on volunteers from faculty, staff and students.
Volunteers are required to attend a three-hour training session that provides some background on emergency management in Ontario and how it pertains to the York University community. The rest of the session deals with how to safely and quickly evacuate a building during an emergency, or, if necessary, how to safely shelter in place. At the end of the training session, the emergency response warden volunteer is provided with some equipment to assist them in their role – an orange fluorescent vest, an orange hat, a flashlight and a whistle.
The Emergency Response Warden Program is a vital part of the safety of both York campuses. The program is always looking for volunteers. If you would like to volunteer or register for training, please contact your unit’s emergency preparedness coordinator or your direct supervisor or manager. If you are currently an emergency response warden, building emergency captain or emergency preparedness coordinator and it has been over one year since your last training session, it is important that you register for an upcoming session as part of the ongoing refresher training that is essential to keep the program running smoothly.
The 2009 training dates are as follows:
- Sept. 30
- Oct. 28
- Nov. 25
- Dec. 16
The 2010 training dates are as follows:
- Jan. 20
- Feb. 25
- March 25
- April 29
- May 20
- June 24
- Sept. 30
- Oct. 28
- Nov. 25
- Dec. 16
Further information about the Emergency Response Warden Program as well as training request forms are available here or by sending an e-mail to epp@yorku.ca.
Remember that when you hear a fire alarm, you are required to exit the building. During the fire alarm, if you see someone wearing a fluorescent orange or yellow vest and hat, follow their instructions and follow them out of the building to the designated assembly point. This is for your safety and the safety of those around you.
Look for the Emergency Preparedness Program postcard in your mailbox soon and find out how to get ready for an emergency.
For more information on this initiative or any other of York University's emergency preparedness initiatives, visit the Emergency Preparedness Program Web site, or contact the Office of Emergency Preparedness at 416-736-5258 or 416-736-5634.