Fire evacuation

The UNBC Prince George campus is equipped with a single-stage alarm system, which means the bells will ring steadily upon the initiation of any alarm-activating device (e.g. smoke detector, heat detector, pull station etc.). Fires can occur at any time and pose a serious threat to life and property. Familiarizing yourself with evacuation routes and ensuring that fire doors remain closed could be life-saving.

Faculty and teaching staff must cease instruction immediately upon hearing the fire alarm and direct students via the nearest emergency exit to the assembly areas or into adjacent buildings that are not in alarm.

Fire and evacuation procedures for Prince George campus

If you discover a fire or smell smoke

  • Immediately sound the fire alarm by activating the nearest red alarm pull station.
  • Call Security by dialling 3333 from an internal phone or (250) 960-7058 from an external line such as your mobile device (from outside the affected area). Tell them you are reporting a fire.
  • If you are qualified, attempt to extinguish or control the fire using an available fire extinguisher.
  • If you cannot control the fire, leave the building by the nearest safe exit quickly and calmly.
  • Do not use the elevators.

When you hear the fire alarm evacuation signal

  • Leave the building by the nearest safe exit quickly and calmly.
  • Due to inclement weather (freezing temperatures) you can relocate into adjacent buildings that are not under evacuation.
  • Close the doors and windows behind you if it is safe to do so.
  • Do not use the elevators.
  • Do not reenter the building for any reason until directed by Security or Facilities personnel that it is safe to do so.

Building evacuation routes and plaques

  • Familiarize yourself with the evacuation routes well enough that you could find your way out of the building in darkness.
  • Evacuation routes within all campus buildings are identified on red Evacuation Plan plaques located in hallways and exit points at each level. Please familiarize yourself with these routes as well as the geography of each building you may occupy for any period of time.

Evacuation of persons with mobility challenges

Each member of the UNBC community is encouraged to assist in the safe evacuation of persons with disabilities. All occupants should know where the Areas of Refuge are and at least two routes to exit the building in the event of an emergency evacuation.

If on the ground floor with an emergency exit to the outside (or into an adjacent building) please exit the building.

Those on all other floors should proceed to the nearest exit route, taking refuge in stairwells or designated refuge areas if available. Ensure that you alert someone as to your location so the fire department can be notified for rescue.

Safety tips

  • Stay calm.
  • Do not attempt to save any possessions at the risk of personal injury.
  • Do not break windows; oxygen feeds fire.
  • Feel the top of doors. If they are hot, or if smoke is visible, do not open the door.
  • Drop to your knees and stay low if moving through smoke.
  • Breathe shallowly through your nose, holding your breath as long as possible. If you have can, put a damp cloth over your mouth and nose to filter out smoke.
  • If you cannot evacuate, close as many doors as possible between you and the fire.
  • If your clothes catch fire remember to do the following:
    • Stop where you are.
    • Drop to the floor.
    • Roll around on the floor.

Fire drills

Fire drills will be conducted annually across all campuses at pre-coordinated times to minimize disruption to operations, classes, lectures and lab work.