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Emergency Response Guide

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Seneca’s Emergency Response Guide provides direction to staff and students on how to deal with emergencies on campus.
The guide provides specific guidance for emergencies that is critical to the safety and security of the Seneca community and operations and property.

It is recommended that you familiarize yourself with the contents of the guide.
Please keep it where it is easily accessible or have it bookmarked on your phone or laptop for convenience.

For questions about the guide, email Campus Security or call 416.764.0911.

Emergency Dialing Guidelines:

  • For campus emergencies requiring the police, fire department or ambulance services, dial 911
  • For campus security assistance with emergencies, call 416.764.0911

Bomb Threat

Stay calm.

Any person receiving a bomb threat over the telephone should ask and record the following information:

  • Where is the bomb and at what campus/building is it placed?
  • When is the bomb going to explode?
  • What kind of bomb is it and what does it look like?
  • Where are you calling from?

Keep talking to the caller as long as you can and record the following:

  • Time of call and note any background noise
  • Gender of caller, speech pattern, including any distinguishing characteristics
  • Origin of call (from call display if applicable)

Emergency Dialing Guidelines for Bomb Threat:

  • For campus emergencies requiring Police, Fire Department or Ambulance, dial 911.
  • For Campus Security assistance with emergencies, call 416.764.0911.

Civil Disturbance

Most campus demonstrations such as marches, pickets and rallies are lawful, peaceful and non-obstructive.

A demonstration should not be of concern unless one or more of the following conditions exists:

  • Threat of physical harm to persons or damage to college facilities or property
  • Interference with the normal operations of the College
  •  Blocking off access to offices, buildings, or other college facilities, causing possible dangerous situations

If one or more of these conditions exist, contact Campus Security.

Emergency Dialing Guidelines for a Civil Disturbance:

  • For campus emergencies requiring Police, Fire Department or Ambulance, dial 911.
  • For Campus Security assistance with emergencies, call 416.764.0911.

Earthquake

If indoors:

  • Remain inside, if possible. Stay where you are until tremors stop
  • Take cover under a table or other heavy, stable object. If not possible, cover your face and head and stay near the corner of a room
  • Stay away from glass, windows, outside doors and walls, and anything that could fall or shatter
  • Do not shut any doors; leave them open to avoid jamming
  • Be aware that the electricity may go out or the sprinkler system/fire alarm may be activated
  • Do not use any elevators

If outdoors:

  • Stay where you are, if safe to do so
  • Move away from buildings, streetlights, utility wires, trees and poles and be careful of falling debris

If trapped under debris:

  • Try not to move as dust could cause serious health complications
  • Cover your mouth with a handkerchief or clothing as dust could be inhaled
  • Do not light a match or use a lighter as a gas line could be ruptured
  • Tap on a pipe or wall so rescuers can locate you
  • If available use your cellphone for a light

The College’s Mass Notification System will be activated and will provide further information.

Emergency Dialing Guidelines for an Earthquake:

  • For campus emergencies requiring Police, Fire Department or Ambulance, dial 911.
  • For Campus Security assistance with emergencies, call 416.764.0911.

Evacuation

Evacuate the building immediately upon notification by the Mass Notification System, Evacuation Wardens or emergency personnel.

What to do in the event of an evacuation:

  • Close but don’t lock the door when exiting
  • Take personal belongings with you (purse/wallet, keys, phone)
  • Follow instructions of Evacuation Wardens and Campus Response Team (CRT)
  • If requested, accompany and assist persons with disabilities who may need assistance
  • Calmly evacuate using the nearest exit; use an alternative exit if you encounter smoke
  • Proceed to Designated Evacuation Assembly Areas

If you are unable to evacuate:

  • Call 911 and when possible, contact Campus Security and identify your location
  • If you are in a room, close the door and use material such as clothing to seal the door and air vents
  • If smoke enters the room, stay low to the ground

The College’s Mass Notification System will be activated and will provide further information.

Information about Refuge Sites

Emergency Dialing Guidelines for Evacuation:

  • For campus emergencies requiring Police, Fire Department or Ambulance, dial 911.
  • For Campus Security assistance with emergencies, call 416.764.0911.

Fire

In case of fire: Activate the nearest fire alarm pull station and evacuate the building using the nearest exit.

  • General Fire Safety Instructions:
  • Familiarize yourself with the location of stairs
  • Never assume a fire alarm is only a drill
  • Remain calm
  • Do not continue teaching classes during a fire alarm
  • Always leave the building immediately by the nearest exit
  • If requested, accompany and assist persons with disabilities who may need assistance
  • Do not use an elevator during a fire alarm
  • Close but don’t lock the doors on your way out of classrooms or offices
  • Advise students to take their belongings
  • Check doors for heat; if hot to the touch do not open, use alternative exit

Remember, just because you can’t see flames or smell smoke doesn’t mean there isn’t an emergency situation that requires immediate evacuation.

Evacuation Wardens

Evacuation Wardens are staff volunteers who assist in ensuring a quick building evacuation. Please
follow their instructions during a building evacuation.

The College’s Mass Notification System will be activated and will provide further information.

Emergency Dialing Guidelines for Fire:

  • For campus emergencies requiring Police, Fire Department or Ambulance, dial 911.
  • For Campus Security assistance with emergencies, call 416.764.0911.

Hazardous Spill

Hazardous spills include any harmful chemical, radioactive or biological materials that may pose a health or safety threat to those exposed.

  • What to do if there is a hazardous spill:
  • Stay calm
  • Do not attempt to clean up the spill
  • Contact Campus Security immediately
  • Cease all operations
  • Do not switch lights on or off, electrical equipment or any device that may emit a spark as this could cause an explosion
  • Do not use any open flames near the area
  •  Evacuate the immediate area

Emergency Dialing Guidelines for a Hazardous Spill:

  • For campus emergencies requiring Police, Fire Department or Ambulance, dial 911.
  • For Campus Security assistance with emergencies, call 416.764.0911.

Hold and Secure/Shelter in Place

A Hold and Secure procedure may be initiated when there is an ongoing threatening situation such as criminal activity outside of a campus building.

The Hold and Secure procedure means all external doors will be locked and monitored while staff and students remain in the building and continue with regular activity.

What to do in the event of a Hold and Secure emergency:

  • Remain inside the building
  • If outside, enter the nearest building as quickly as possible
  • If requested, accompany and assist persons with disabilities who may need assistance
  • Secure all windows
  • Close curtains and blinds where possible
  • Notify those around you of the emergency and advise them to stay inside the building

The College’s Mass Notification System will be activated and will provide further information.

SHELTER IN PLACE

A Shelter In Place may be initiated when there is a non-criminal situation such as extreme weather conditions or hazardous material release happening outside of a campus building. Staff and students are encouraged to move freely within the campus and normal activities can continue. Staff and students are encouraged to remain indoors until the College has been given the all clear by Emergency Personnel.

What to do in the event of a Shelter in Place emergency:

  • Remain inside the building
  • If outside, enter the nearest building
  • Secure all windows
  • Outdoor activities may need to be cancelled or brought indoors
  • Depending on the emergency, the building’s heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems may be turned off

The College’s Mass Notification System will be activated and will provide further information.

Emergency Dialing Guidelines for Hold and Secure and Shelter in Place:

  • For campus emergencies requiring Police, Fire Department or Ambulance, dial 911.
  • For Campus Security assistance with emergencies, call 416.764.0911.

Individualized Workplace Emergency Response Plan

Under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation (Ontario Regulation 191/11), Part III Employment Standards, Seneca is required to provide:

  1. Individualized workplace emergency response information to employees who have a disability, if the disability is such that individualized information is necessary and the hiring manager is aware of the need for accommodation due to the employee’s disability.
  2. If the employee with a disability requires assistance as part of the individualized workplace emergency response plan, with the employee’s consent, the hiring manager can provide the information to the person designated (by the hiring manager) to assist the employee.
  3. Individualized workplace emergency response information should be provided to the employee with a disability as soon as possible after the hiring manager becomes aware of the need for accommodation.
  4. The individualized workplace emergency response information should be reviewed when an employee moves to a different location, when the employee’s overall accommodation needs or plans are reviewed and when the Seneca’s general emergency response plans are reviewed.

Seneca emergency response plans are available on the Seneca website, in print and on the Seneca SAFE app. Response plans in print are available in the classrooms, lecture halls and departments, and also as a reference guide. The website and print materials follow Seneca's accessible documents policy. Upon request from an individual employee, supervisor or human resources, Seneca will provide dedicated emergency response plans to individuals who require specific responsibilities or support during an emergency. Individuals who require an individualized workplace emergency response plan or information will meet with the Director, Emergency Management, the Manager, Health & Safety or alternate to receive the individual plan.

Individuals requiring a dedicated emergency response plan are to email security@senecapolytechnic.ca to arrange a meeting.

Process for Hiring Managers

When onboarding a new employee, the hiring manager (or designate) should have discussions regarding Seneca’s accommodation processes and policies, the availability of workplace emergency response information, including individual emergency response plans, and the availability of information in alternate formats or with communication supports.

If the hiring manager is aware that an employee with a disability requires an individualized workplace emergency plan, the process is as follows:

  1. Discuss the requirements for an individual emergency plan with the employee and provide their information to security@senecapolytechnic.ca.
  2. Emergency Management Services will contact the employee and, in consultation with the employee, prepare an individual emergency response plan.
  3. Emergency Management Services will send a completed copy of the plan to the employee, to the hiring manager and to Security Services. Hiring managers are asked to retain a copy on file so it can be referenced as needed.
  4. On receipt of the plan, hiring managers are asked to review and if applicable, with the employee’s consent, share only the need-to-know information with the person(s) designated to assist the employee in the event of an emergency.
  5. Emergency Management Services will arrange training and exercises for the employee and for others if applicable.
  6. Notify Emergency Management Services of any future changes that may require a new or revised plan and/or if the plan is no longer required.
  7. Emergency Management Services reviews all individual plans when reviewing Seneca’s general emergency response policies and information.

Medical Emergency

Medical emergencies may arise that require the assistance of a first-aid responder or an ambulance.

General medical emergency information:

  • Stay calm
  • Provide as much information about the person as possible to Campus Security/Emergency Responders
  • Keep the person as comfortable as possible
  • Do not move the person unless it is for safety reasons
  • Do not administer any medications unless it is the person's medication and you are directed to do so by the individual

Automated External Defibrillators (AED)

All campuses are equipped with Automated External Defibrillators (AED) that can be used to treat a person who has suffered a cardiac arrest. Campus Security at each campus are trained in First Aid and AED use.

Emergency Dialing Guidelines for Medical Emergencies:

  • For campus emergencies requiring Police, Fire Department or Ambulance, dial 911.
  • For Campus Security assistance with emergencies, call 416.764.0911.

Physical Assault or Threat

Physical Assault is a hostile act involving an individual or group threatening to hurt or hurting another person(s). This could include intentional force such as striking, hitting, pushing or pulling, with or without the use of a weapon, and with the intent to wound or endanger another person(s).

What to do if you have been assaulted:

  • Call 911 and/or Campus Security immediately
  • Find a safe location away from the perpetrator(s)
  • Seek medical attention as soon as possible even if you don’t have any visible injuries
  • Seek assistance from Seneca’s Counselling & Accessible Learning Services if additional support is needed

If you witness a Physical Assault

  • Please follow the Emergency Dialing Guidelines

Emergency Dialing Guidelines for Physical Assault or Threat

  • For campus emergencies requiring Police, Fire Department or Ambulance, dial 911.
  • For Campus Security assistance with emergencies, call 416.764.0911.

Power Outage

Power outages can be local (a single building or campus) or affect large areas in the community.

During any outage, emergency lighting is available for a short duration.

What to do during a power outage:

  • Remain calm
  • If you are in an unlit area, proceed cautiously to an area that has emergency or natural lighting
  • Provide assistance to others in your immediate area that may be unfamiliar with the space
  • If requested, accompany and assist persons with disabilities who may need assistance
  • Do not use any open flames (i.e. candles, lighters, etc.); your mobile phone can be used as a light source
  • If instructed to evacuate, proceed cautiously to the nearest clear exit
  • If you are in an elevator, stay calm, use the elevator emergency telephone to alert Campus Security that you are inside an elevator and the location of the elevator

The College’s Mass Notification System will be activated and will provide further information.

Emergency Dialing Guidelines for Power Outage

  • For campus emergencies requiring Police, Fire Department or Ambulance, dial 911.
  • For Campus Security assistance with emergencies, call 416.764.0911.

Robbery

If you are confronted by an individual or group in a robbery, please remember that your personal safety is more important than any property.

  • Do the following when possible:
  •  Co-operate
  • Do not make any sudden moves
  • Remember distinguishing traits such as age, height, weight, gender, race, hair colour, description of clothing, facial hair, etc.
  •  Note the type of weapon used
  • Listen carefully to voice characteristics and to what is said
  • Note the direction of the robber's travel after the confrontation
  • If applicable lock the doors as soon as the robber has left and follow the Emergency Dialing Guidelines

Emergency Dialing Guidelines for a Robbery:

  • For campus emergencies requiring Police, Fire Department or Ambulance, dial 911.
  • For Campus Security assistance with emergencies, call 416.764.0911.

Sexual Assault

Sexual assault is defined as any type of unwanted sexual act done by one person to another that violates the sexual integrity of the victim and involves a range of behaviours from any unwanted touching to penetration.

Sexual assault is characterized by a broad range of behaviours that involve the use of force, threats,or control towards a person, which makes that person feel uncomfortable, distressed, frightened,
threatened, or that is carried out in circumstances in which the person has not freely agreed, consented to, or is incapable of consenting to.

Seneca's Sexual Assault and Sexual Violence Policy policy promotes safety on campuses as well as everyone’s rights and responsibilities. The policy provides precise definitions of sexual assault and sexual violence, sets clear standards for reporting and responding to incidents of sexual violence and establishes clear processes for complaints and investigations.

What to do if you have been sexually assaulted:

  • Call 911 or Campus Security immediately
  • Find a safe location away from the perpetrator
  • Preserve all evidence (do not bathe, wash or change your clothes)
  • Seek medical attention as soon as possible even if you don’t have any visible physical injuries
  • Seek assistance from Seneca’s Counselling & Accessible Learning Services if additional support is needed

Emergency Dialing Guidelines for Sexual Assault:

  • For campus emergencies requiring Police, Fire Department or Ambulance, dial 911.
  • For Campus Security assistance with emergencies, call 416.764.0911.

Suspicious Package

Common characteristics of letters and parcels that should be considered suspicious and require
additional care:

  • Restrictive endorsements: Confidential, Personal, To be opened by Addressee Only
  • Visual distractions: Fragile, Rush, Handle with Care
  • Excessive postage stamps
  • Fictitious or no return address, incorrect titles, titles with no names, misspelled common words
  • Oily stains or discolorations, powders, soil, sand, liquids of any kind or colour or sticky/adhesive substances
  • Excessive weight or uneven weight distribution
  • Excessive binding material: masking, electric or strapping tape, string, twine
  • Rigid, lopsided or uneven envelope
  • Protruding wires, screws or other parts
  • Type of mail usually marked Foreign, Priority or Special Delivery combined with one or more of the points above

If you identify a suspicious package:

  • Do not handle, shake or empty it
  • Do not carry it to other areas or show it to other people
  • If anything spills, do not try to clean it up
  • Contact Campus Security immediately

Emergency Dialing Guidelines for Suspicious Package

  • For campus emergencies requiring Police, Fire Department or Ambulance, dial 911.
  • For Campus Security assistance with emergencies, call 416.764.0911.