Key initiatives and supports
At UBC, we plan for and practice our ability to establish these supports as quickly as possible. Following a major emergency, it may take time for first responders and university teams to set up support. Until then, you, your family and roommate(s) may need to manage on your own. Learn more about personal and community preparedness and UBC’s emergency notifications systems.
Mass care program
UBC’s Mass Care Program is accessible to all UBC students, faculty and staff, and The University Neighbourhoods Association (UNA) constituents in the aftermath of an emergency and will support our community through the provision of potable water, food and shelter. UBC is working hard to ensure the resilience of our community and each of us have an important role to play. Find out more about the Mass Care Open House event.
Resilience hubs for UBC campus communities
Funded through UBC’s Campus as a Living Lab Grand Challenge, the Disaster Resilience Research Network is teamed up with Safety & Risk Services to envision infrastructure improvements, human engagement, and governance models that will make UBC’s campuses more resilient to future seismic and climate-related hazards.
The project focuses on enhancing campus resilience in response to climate hazards, aligning with Campus Vision 2050 Plan. It will develop a resilience hub framework to strengthen community connections and emergency support, and create a disaster risk reduction roadmap to improve UBC’s operational response to climate emergencies. Learn more.
Radio system upgrades
In 2025, UBC completed upgrades of our radio system, expanding coverage throughout campus, upgrading radios in use, and enabling communications redundancy.
Potable water
Emergency Management is working with campus partners to explore the feasibility of utilizing groundwater to support campus water needs in the event of impacts to regional and campus water distribution systems during an emergency.