Emergency Preparedness Week is May 2 to 8. It’s a good time to remind yourself or get acquainted with York’s emergency procedures and resources such as the YU Safety App and the Emergency Assembly Point for campus buildings.
The safety and well-being of the University community is a priority. Currently, most University services are being delivered remotely to ensure the health and safety of everyone, there are limited staff working on the Keele and Glendon campuses delivering required services, as well as students living in residences. Reviewing the local emergency information and resources ensures that everyone is prepared in advance for any potential emergencies on campus. To learn more, download a PDF of the Emergency Procedures poster.
The Community Safety website provides valuable information and resources to help the York community stay safe during emergencies. For persons requiring special assistance, there is a dedicated page with guidance, direction and contact numbers in the event of an emergency. The Community Safety Department has launched a new, York U Local Emergency Preparedness course, which is open to community members. The course provides an understanding of how to respond to potential local emergencies on campus. Employees who complete this course will see it reflected in the Human Resources PeopleSoft system.
Emergency Assembly Point Notification sign for Arboretum Lane on the Keele Campus
“The goal of the York University local emergency preparedness course is to educate people about the simple but important things that community members can do to keep themselves and those around them safe during local emergencies on campus,” said Mike O’Brien, manager of the Community Safety Department.
There are many people at the University who work to ensure a safe and healthy environment for students, faculty, staff, and visitors. At York, the Community Safety Department is responsible for emergency planning for the University. Emergency planning consists of identifying risks, developing emergency plans, conducting exercises, delivering training, hosting public awareness and engagement activities, and responding to campus emergencies.
“We can respond effectively when we are prepared and when we collaborate together with our community in preparedness and planning efforts,” said Samina Sami, executive director, Community Safety Department. “Thank you for helping to make York’s campuses safe for everyone.”