Emergency Response

In an emergency, staff, students, and visitors to campus may need to respond quickly and safely to reduce the risk of injury or damage. Familiarize yourself with the procedures below for emergency situations on campus.

What to do in an on-campus emergency

Fire

If you see fire or smell smoke, activate the fire alarm and follow the SAIT occupant evacuation procedure.

Follow the directions of security, fire wardens and first responders.

1. Stop
2. Get out
3. Get safe
4. Communicate

❗️In the event of an evacuation, use the stairs. Do not use the elevators.

If you need evacuation assistance, ask two buddies to stay with you and wait in the elevator lobby (if safe) and notify a Fire Warden or Security (403.284.8000). If there is any sign of smoke or fire, wait in a fire-rated stairwell (concrete stairwells with fire doors) and call 911. The individual requiring assistance should take initiative to request for two evacuation buddies to stay with them (the evacuation buddies may be pre-arranged or arranged by the individual when an alarm occurs).

SAIT’s Fire Warden program has volunteer Fire Wardens (not guaranteed due to hybrid work schedules) in permanent office spaces who assist with occupant evacuation. Fire Wardens will sweep designated office areas and relay essential information to Campus Security/first responders. Instructors are expected to sweep their classroom or lab space and communicate any pertinent information to Campus Security/first responders.

Fire life safety equipment

Fire life safety equipment around SAIT's campus is for the safety of everybody, and intentional tampering with equipment can result in mischief or criminal charges.

Report any of the following to Campus Security at 403.284.8000:

• The use of fire life safety equipment.
• Damage or the blockage of fire life safety equipment.
• Incorrect or accidental pull of an alarm.

Fire alarms

All SAIT buildings have fire alarm systems to notify occupants of potential dangers that may lead to building evacuations.

Understanding the differences in alarm stages is important to know what to do when you hear an alarm.

Hazardous material

If hazardous materials are released, alert others in the immediate area and follow these steps below.

1. Isolate: Secure the area, close windows and doors and turn off sources of heat or anything that could cause a spark.
2. Decontaminate: If needed, remove clothing/accessories that may have been contaminated with a substance.
3. Assist: Only trained individuals should rescue or attend to injured students and individuals if the appropriate personal protective equipment available.
4. Evacuate: If needed, follow building evacuation procedures.
5. Report: Call security at 403.284.8000 and follow the instructions. You'll also need to complete an incident report.

Medical emergency

In case of severe or life-threatening injury or illness:

1. Scan and assess the area for hazards.
2. Call 911, listen to instructions and provide the information needed.
3. Call security at 403.284.8000

Do not move the ill or injured person unless it is essential for their safety. Provide first aid if you are trained, have appropriate personal protective equipment, and are comfortable doing so.

Submit an incident report post-treatment.

AED's

Automated external defibrillators (AEDs) are installed throughout SAIT. They may be used to help someone experiencing sudden cardiac arrest in an emergency. All the AEDs are registered with Alberta Health Services and 911 dispatch as knowledge of their location in the event of an emergency.

Look for the heart symbol on the campus map or see our list of AED locations .

If you use an AED or any components within the AED, submit an incident report so the unit can be inspected and replaced as needed.

Active assailant

1. Get out: Exit the building if you can and keep your hands visible to First Responders.
2. Hide: If you can't run, hide. Turn off the lights, silence your phone, stay quiet, stay hidden.
3. Fight: As a last resort, if you cannot escape, fight the assailant with an object and use as much force as necessary to reduce the threat.

The Campus Alberta Risk and Assurance Committee (CARA), — made up of SAIT and several other Alberta post-secondary institutions — launched an initiative to educate staff and students about how to respond in the case of an assailant.

This video is a dramatization of an active shooting scenario. A voiceover and on-screen instructions support the dramatization.

Police experts were consulted during the development of this video.

Watch: Surviving an active shooter incident*

_{*The content of this video may be disturbing to some viewers.}

Shelter-in-place

You may be directed to shelter-in-place if there is an external environmental or hazardous material threat.

If instructed to shelter in place:

1. Go indoors.
2. Close all windows and doors.
3. Stay away from exterior walls and windows.
4. Close off and block air circulation/ventilation equipment or systems if required.
5. Remain indoors and await further direction from security or first responders.