Emergency response and fire safety

In the event of a medical emergency, all members of the University community should prioritize their own safety before assisting others. 

If emergency medical services are required, call 911 immediately and then Security Services. If it is safe to do so and you are trained, provide first aid or contact Security Services for assistance. 

Security Services can be reached on the urgent reporting line at 204-474-9341  or by dialing 555 from any university phone. Security Services can assist in managing serious incidents by coordinating the appropriate response, directing emergency responders to the exact location, securing the area, and helping ensure the necessary supports have been contacted.

Security Services

The CPR and First Aid Program outlines the University of Manitoba’s requirements and procedures for providing CPR and First Aid training, as well as maintaining appropriate First Aid/AED equipment and supplies. The program is designed to support compliance with The Workplace Safety and Health Act and The Workplace Safety and Health Regulation (M.R. 217/2006), helping ensure a safe and prepared campus community.

To learn more about the program, visit Emergency response and fire safety- CPR and First Aid program page on our Intranet page.

Fire safety at the University of Manitoba is supported through a partnership between Environmental Health and Safety Office (EHSO) and Facilities, including the Life Safety Engineer. EHSO's role is to provide programs, resources, and services that promote fire prevention, preparedness, and effective emergency response across the University community.

The EHSO Fire Safety Program includes: 

• Fire Wardens
• Fire Evacuation Planning and Drills
• Fire Extinguisher Training
• Fire Safety Plans
• Fire Safety Support for Events
• Assistance with other requirements under the Manitoba Fire Code

Through these services, EHSO helps foster a safe campus environment and supports compliance with applicable fire safety requirements.

The Fire Safety Program manual is located on the UM Intranet within the Emergency Response and Fire Safety page.

Fire Safety Governing Documents

Fire Safety Training

Fire Warden training is provided by EHSO and is available online through UM Learn. To access the course, log in to UM Learn and navigate to the Discovery section, where the training can be found and enrolled in.

Fire Extinguisher training is offered in two parts:

Part 1: Online Presentation 

This 30-minute virtual session provides an overview of fire classifications, fire extinguisher types, and proper extinguisher use and safety procedures. Fire Wardens are strongly encouraged to attend this session annually to refresh their knowledge. 

Part 2: Hands-On Training 

After completing or attending the online presentation, participants may register for a hands-on fire extinguisher training session. These sessions are offered on a drop-in basis between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. and typically take 10 to 15 minutes to complete. A map with the training location will be provided upon registration. Please note that hands-on training may be cancelled due to inclement weather or fire bans. 

If you are uncertain whether a session is proceeding on the day of training, please contact EHSO at 204-474-6633..

To register for Fire Extinguisher training, please visit our event calendar.

Hot work

Hot Work is defined as any temporary activity that involves open flames or generates heat, sparks, or other ignition sources. This includes, but is not limited to, welding, brazing, cutting, grinding, soldering, pipe thawing, and torch-applied roofing. Before any hot work is performed on University of Manitoba property, a Notice of Hot Work Form must be completed and submitted. This process helps ensure that appropriate fire prevention measures are in place and that the work can be carried out safely.

To locate the Hot work policy and notice form, visit the Emergency response and fire safety- Fire safety programs page on the UM Intranet.

The University requires everyone to leave a building where a fire alarm has been activated or when otherwise informed of a life safety risk.

Evacuation route maps and fire safety information are posted throughout campus buildings, usually near entrances, exits, stairwells, and elevators. Take a few moments to familiarize yourself with this information so you know the safest way to leave the building in an emergency. 

During an evacuation, Fire Wardens may be present to help guide occupants to the nearest exit and provide assistance as needed. Please follow their instructions and leave the building promptly and safely.

No one may enter a building while the alarm is activated. An "ALL CLEAR" will be provided by the fire department, UM Security Services or the specified Fire Warden.

If you have any concerns related to accessibility in the event of an alarm, please connect with Accessibility.

Spills at the University of Manitoba are mitigated and cleaned immediately to prevent human exposure or releases to the environment. Use the links below to find more information. 

• Chemical spills
• Release of hazardous building materials
• Occupational post exposure protocols
• Or for information on spills that involve permitted biological materials, see the Biosafety page on the UM Intranet

Employees are trained on hazardous material handling pertaining to their role at the University, this includes the clean-up of minor spills. For support regarding spills that pose an immediate threat to human health and safety or if you are unsure of your procedures, please contact EHSO (Monday-Friday; 8:30 am to 4:30 pm) at 204-474-6633 or outside of normal business hours contact Security Service urgent reporting line at 204-474-9341.

Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) continuously monitors weather and climate, allowing us to implement plans and prepare for extreme weather conditions. The public is notified of severe storms via two types of alerts:

1. A Weather Watch is issued when conditions are favourable for a severe storm to develop.
2. A Weather Warning is issued when severe weather is happening.

For more information on weather alerts see the ECCC page on Severe Weather.

Whenever inclement weather conditions such as tornados cause UM community members to take immediate shelter in our facilities there are important things to keep in mind regardless of your current location.

• Once in a building move towards the basement or the lowest floor.
• Stay away from windows and doorways.
• Take shelter in an inner hallway or room.
• Do not use an elevator.
• Protect your head from the potential of flying debris if windows or doors are compromised.

1. Remain calm.
2. Notify Physical Plant (474-6281) and/or Security Services(474-9312) of the utility failure, and include the following information:
   • Type of utility failure (i.e. power, water, gas, and/or heat).
   • Location of the utility failure.
   • Time of the utility failure.
3. Follow instructions provided by Physical Plant, Risk/EHSO, or Security Services.
4. Prepare to evacuate the building.
5. Refer to utility specific sections below for utility specific guidelines.
6. After the utility has been restored do not re-enter the building. Wait for Physical Plant, Risk/EHSO, or Security Services to provide the “ALL CLEAR”.

1. Ensure the safety of yourself and others by moving to areas away from hazards.
2. Turn off all critical electrical devices and equipment (if possible). If in a laboratory containing a fume hood, close the sash before you leave if safe to do so.
3. Do not open freezers. A full research freezer will keep items frozen for 24 hours if the door remains closed.
4. All University buildings have emergency lighting and will operate for 30 minutes. After the emergency lighting has stopped working the building is considered closed and cannot be occupied.
5. If the power has not been restored within 15-20 minutes you must start to evacuate the building safely and calmly before the 30-minute maximum time and while the emergency lighting is working. Evacuation options include:
   • The ground level of the building you are in during day light hours, while remaining near windows and doors.
   • Outside, weather permitting.
   • Another building that has not lost power.
6. When safe to do so, you may be able to retrieve items left behind. You must be escorted into the building by a designated member of Physical Plant, Risk/EHSO, or Security Services.
7. After the power has been restored do not turn electrical devices on immediately, wait a few minutes to allow the power supply to stabilize.

Information about emergency situations involving armed intruders is available through Security Services. For more information on emergency procedures, please contact Security Services directly or visit their website.

Security Services - Emergency procedures