Knowing what to do in case of an emergency can make all the difference when the time comes to respond.

Emergency Preparedness Week – May 3-9 – is a week designed to raise awareness about the importance of emergency planning and response.

At Queen’s, there are many people who contribute to ensuring a safe, healthy environment for students, staff and faculty and there are a number of valuable resources available, such as the Emergency Notification System.

“Emergencies can happen with little or no warning. Fortunately emergencies at Queen’s are rare events, but not unforeseeable,” says David Patterson, Director of Campus Security and Emergency Services, who suggests members of the Queen’s community review the Queen’s University Emergency Response Procedures. “By taking the time to review now it can assist you in remembering what to do in a serious, unexpected situation.”

Mr. Patterson points out that it’s a good idea to print a copy of the procedures for your desk or workplace. Queen’s also has to ensure that the university is prepared in the event of a broad range of emergencies.

For access to emergency information while on the go, download the SeQure app for your mobiles phone or follow Campus Security and Emergency Services on Twitter and on Facebook.

Individualized workplace emergency response plans for employees who have a disability that requires accommodation can be found on the university’s Environmental Health and Safety website, as well as a template to create lab specific emergency response procedures.

Emergency Preparedness Week is also a good time to think about how you would respond to an emergency at home.

Information on how to prepare you and your family for an emergency is available at the following links:

• Emergency Management Ontario
• Get Prepared
• Environment Canada Weather Office
• Canadian Red Cross
• St. John Ambulance
• The Salvation Army