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Victoria University

Experiencing an Emergency?

 

Call 911 immediately. Then call Campus Security at 416-414-3858.


Quick Contacts

  • Campus Security: 416-414-3858
  • Margaret Addison Front Desk: 416-585-4524
  • Maintenance: 416-585-4581 (after hours 416-585-4524)

General Safety

  • Safety is a shared responsibility. Report suspicious activity.
  • Do not endanger yourself.
  • Do not attempt to handle suspicious or hazardous situations on your own.
  • Fear can influence behaviour. Reduce vulnerability by staying alert and making safe choices.
  • Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, take action to protect yourself.
  • Report immediately: fire, smoke, gas smell, life-threatening situations, bomb threats, crimes in progress, accidents, sudden illness, suspicious persons.
  • Park in well-lit areas and avoid isolated spots. Have your keys ready before reaching your car. Back into parking spaces for a quicker exit if needed. Ensure safe exits from garages and avoid empty areas.
  • Staff, faculty and librarians should lock office doors when unattended or when working alone after hours. Read more: Safety Tips for Working Alone on Vic Campus.
  • Do not let anyone into restricted buildings or areas to which you have key access, including student residences, even if the person seems familiar.
  • Inform your manager or Campus Security at 416-414-3858 if working alone after hours.
  • Secure cash and valuables in a locked cabinet or safe.

People with Disabilities or Accessibility Needs

If you have a disability that may require an individual emergency response plan in an emergency situation (i.e. fire safety, evacuation, violent acts, disaster response) you must self-identify by contacting Human Resources to discuss how to create one. Read more: AODA: Employment Policy. 

Emergency Guides

Violent or Threatening Incident/Active Attacker

Be Aware

  • Stay alert to your surroundings.
  • Know your exits.
  • Assess the situation and react quickly.

Get Out

  • Remove yourself from any location of immediate danger.
  • If inside a building, determine if it is safe to leave – if so, evacuate immediately.
  • Leave belongings behind.
  • Warn others not to enter the danger area.
  • Keep your hands visible for emergency responders.
  • Once safe, call 911, then Campus Security at 416-414-3858.

Hide

If you cannot flee or do not know the aggressor’s location:

  • Find a secure area that can be locked or barricaded.
  • Turn off lights.
  • Silence your phone.
  • Stay low to the floor and remain quiet.

Defend

As a last resort, if your life is in imminent danger:

  • Use any means necessary to disorient or stop the assailant so you can escape.
Fire or Smoke
  • Pull the nearest fire alarm.
  • Call 911.
  • Use a fire extinguisher only if it is safe to do so.
  • Evacuate using stairs. Do not use elevators.
  • Call Campus Security once outside at 416-414-3858.
  • Go to your emergency gathering location.
  • Do not re-enter the building until authorized by Toronto Fire Service, fire prevention personnel or Campus Security.
  • Take your coat and keys, close and lock doors and walk quickly to the nearest marked stairwell exit. Alert others as you go.
Gas Leak
  • Leave immediately.
  • Pull the fire alarm to alert others.
  • Do not use electrical devices and turn off any open flames.
  • Do not switch lights on or off as this could trigger an explosion.
  • Call the Margaret Addison Front Desk at 416-585-4524.
  • Once safe, call Maintenance at 416-585-4581 or Campus Security at 416-414-3858.
Power Failure
  • Wait a few minutes; most outages are brief.
  • If the outage lasts more than one hour or safety is affected, call Maintenance at 416-585-458.
  • Avoid elevators.
Weather Alerts

In severe weather conditions affecting the Victoria University campus, classes may be cancelled by the U of T Vice-President and Provost.

  • Check social media.
  • Check the Vic U website and UTAlert emails.
  • Register for UTAlert texts.
Demonstrations
  • Peaceful protest is allowed.
  • If unsafe: call Margaret Addison Front Desk at 416-585-4524 or Campus Security at 416-414-3858.
Concerning Behaviour
  • If unsafe: Call 911 or Campus Security at 416-414-3858.
  • If not immediate danger: staff should talk to your manager or HR.
Medical Emergency
  • Call 911, then Margaret Addison Front Desk: 416-585-4524.
  • Give first aid if trained.
  • Don’t move the person unless in danger.
  • Send someone to meet first responders.
  • Pull the fire alarm if urgent help is needed.

Find the locations of First Aid Kits, the Defibrillator and Health and Safety Boards here.

Person in Crisis
  • If someone threatens harm: Call 911, then Campus Security at 416-414-3858.
  • Security will assess the situation and connect you to support.
Feeling Unsafe Walking on Campus
  • Use blue light emergency alarms on campus and in garages.
  • You can also call Campus Safety at 416-978-2222.
Elevators

If a power failure or emergency affects elevators: 

  • Press the phone symbol (PH) emergency button on the elevator panel to connect with Margaret Addison Front Desk at 416-585-4524. 
  • If you feel uncomfortable or threatened by others in the elevator, get off immediately. 
Emergency Gathering Locations
Building Name/Address Gathering Location
Victoria College Quad
Northrop Frye Hall Quad
E.J. Pratt Library Quad
Burwash Dining Hall Quad
Birge Carnegie North side of Charles Street West
Isabel Bader Theatre North side of Charles Street West
Emmanuel College South of Emmanuel College
Goldring Student Centre Margaret Addison Quad
63 and 65 Charles St. W. Corner of Charles Street West and St. Thomas Street
Margaret Addison Hall Margaret Addison Quad
Rowell Jackman Hall South exit by St. Mary’s Arch
Annesley Hall West side of front lawn
Upper Burwash Hall Quad
Lower Burwash Hall Quad by E.J. Pratt Library