Faculty and departmental readiness

Readiness is a faculty or department’s ability to respond effectively to disruptions or emergencies that impact its core functions.  

Although supplies are important, the planning around building kits is even more beneficial to creating an internal culture of readiness. Start a conversation with faculty and staff, and encourage them to think in a holistic way about office preparedness. 

While there are no policies or legislation requiring faculties or departments to practice workplace preparedness, everyone should have a personal emergency kit at home and at work. If an emergency happens while at work, plan to make every effort to get home. Include items in your work emergency kit to support your plan.  

It’s also worth noting that while First Aid kits are no longer required in every department, it is important to still have basic first aid supplies in your emergency kit. 

Key things to consider when preparing for an emergency:

• Keep an emergency phone list (including a paper copy!)
• Know your team’s meeting location and check-in process
• Understand your emergency roles and responsibilities
• Secure critical documents and backups of essential data.

All UBC buildings should have their own Building Emergency Response Plan (BERP) to help ensure the safety of building occupants through emergency evacuation and fire prevention. This template provides a checklist of procedures for responding to and reporting an emergency and assists in the recruitment and training of Building Emergency Directors and Floor Wardens. 

Emergencies at work

Emergencies at UBC may require you to evacuate or shelter in place. In all situations, safety should be your top priority.

Here’s how to stay safe: 

• Call 911 and/or Campus Security (604-822-2222) if you witness an event. 
• Rely on trusted sources for information: 
• UBC Safe App notifications 
• Provincial Emergency Alerts 
• UBC.ca and official channels 
• Follow instructions from first responders and university safety teams. 
• Know your building’s evacuation routes 
• If leaving, take essential items (keys, phone, wallet, laptop) only if safe to do so. 
• Check in with your supervisor or team at your designated muster point.