The best way to protect yourself is to know how to respond during an emergency BEFORE it happens. Make sure you’re prepared for emergencies and know what actions to take when uOttawa authorities direct you to.
Be prepared in case of emergency
The safety of the campus community is the University of Ottawa’s top priority.
When a situation poses or has the potential to pose a significant threat to campus safety, the University uses multiple notification methods to provide timely, reliable information to help you take appropriate protective action. We strongly encourage you to use all available notification methods rather than relying on a single channel. Using multiple channels increases the likelihood that you will receive critical information quickly when it matters most.
Know what to do in emergencies
Violent threats
Violent threats are extremely rare, but they do require specific actions and reactions.
Shelter-in-place
If an emergency threatens the safety of those outside a uOttawa building, people in the threatened area may be instructed to shelter-in-place.
Evacuation
If an emergency threatens the safety of those inside a uOttawa building, people in the threatened area may be instructed to evacuate.
Other hazards
Many types of emergency can occur on a university campus, including fires, natural disasters and hazardous-material spills.
Rely on official alerts
Subscribe to SMS and email emergency alerts
Receive emergency alerts by text message or at a personal or alternative email address.
Other alerts
New on campus and standard in future building projects.
(Currently only installed at the Faculty of Health Sciences (FHS) building on Lees Campus and at the Advanced Medical Research Centre (AMRC) at the Alta Vista Campus)
- Wall-mounted, audible-visual devices that flash and emit sound while displaying an emergency alert message. It is important to read the message before acting.
Beacons are NOT part of the fire alarm system: they are for other types of emergencies.
Fire alarms always mean evacuate immediately. Beacons may tell you to stay where you are, move to a safer area, or take another protective action. Always follow the instructions shown on the beacon.
Be prepared for emergencies
Contact us
Report an emergency
On campus: 613-562-5411
Off campus: 911
The 'Are you ready?' Team
If you have any questions, please email: [email protected]
Visit the Emergency Management website for other available services.