Response

In an emergency

If you are in immediate danger, call 911.

You can also contact NorQuest Security:

  • Security Desk: 780.644.6225
  • Security Cell: 780.991.4573

Stay calm, follow instructions, and take action to protect yourself and others.

What to do in any emergency

If you are unsure what to do, follow these general steps:

  • Call 911 if there is a threat to life or safety
  • Contact Security at 780.644.6225 (desk) or 780.991.4573 (cell) as soon as possible
  • Follow instructions from college officials and emergency responders
  • Stay calm and help others if it is safe to do so
  • Share information with others nearby, they may not be aware

Common emergency actions

In most emergencies, you will be asked to take one of these actions:

Evacuate

Leave the building immediately when it is unsafe to stay or when directed. Evacuation may be directed with out a fire alarm. Follow instructions from Security or messages sent through NorQuests emergency notification system.

  • Use the nearest safe exit
  • Do not use elevators
  • Do not change direction in stairwell
  • If nearest exit is not safe proceed to alternate exit
  • Move to a safe location away from the building
  • Do not re-enter until told it is safe

If you require assistance

Shelter in place

Remain indoors and take shelter when it is safer to stay inside.

  • Move to an interior location if needed
  • Stay away from windows
  • Close doors
  • Wait for further instructions
Lockdown

Secure yourself when there is a threat of violence.

  • Go to the nearest room
  • Lock or block the door
  • Turn off lights
  • Stay quiet and out of sight
  • Silence your phone
  • Do not open the door for anyone– even if someone is knocking, shouting, or claiming to be an authority
  • Remain in place until the door is opened by police, then carefully follow instructions.
  • If the fire alarm is activated during a lockdown, remain in your secured space unless you see or smell smoke/fire.

Help others safely

  • Ask before helping – do not assume
  • Follow the person’s direction
  • Do not put yourself at risk

If someone cannot evacuate:

Emergency situations

Select the situation below to learn what to do:

Accessibility & emergency support

Emergency assistance

Some individuals may require assistance during emergencies.

  • Plan ahead whenever possible
  • Consider arranging an emergency buddy
  • Follow guidance from responders

If assisting someone:

General emergency / crime

When to use this:

You witness an emergency, unsafe situation, or suspicious or criminal activity.

What to do:

  • Call 911 if the situation is serious or life-threatening
  • Contact Security at 780.644.6225 (desk) or 780.991.4573 (cell), or Facilities at 780.644.6215
  • Provide clear details (location, what happened, who is involved)
  • Activate a fire alarm if evacuation is required
  • Stay nearby if safe and provide information to responders
Medical emergency

When to use this:

Someone is injured or experiencing a serious medical issue (e.g., collapse, seizure, severe bleeding).

What to do:

  • Call 911 if the situation is life-threatening
  • Contact the Nurse at 780.913.9076 or Security at 780.644.6225 (desk) or 780.991.4573 (cell)
  • Provide:
    • Location (building, room number)
    • Nature of the emergency
    • Your contact information
  • Provide first aid if trained
  • Do not move the person unless they are in imminent danger
  • Stay with them until help arrives
Fire or smoke

When to use this:

You see fire, smoke, or smell something burning.

What to do:

  • Activate the fire alarm immediately
  • Call 911
  • Notify Security at 780.644.6225 (desk) or 780.991.4573 (cell)
  • Evacuate immediately
  • Use stairs, not elevators
  • Do not change direction in stairwell
  • If nearest exit is not safe proceed to alternate exit
  • Close doors behind you
  • Move to a safe location outside
  • Do not re-enter the building

If you require assistance

  • Move to the elevator landing (if safe) or nearest stairwell landing
  • Notify others or Security at 780.644.6225 (desk) or 780.991.4573 (cell) of your location
  • Wait for trained responders

False alarms

Activating a fire alarm without a valid reason is a serious offense. Anyone found to have intentionally triggered a false alarm may face disciplinary action, up to and including removal from their program, and may also be subject to criminal charges.

Anyone having information related to a false alarm should call Facilities at 780.644.6215.

Active shooter or armed intruder

When to use this:

There is an immediate threat of violence with a weapon.

What to do:

Run, hide or fight!

Run!

  • If safe to do so leave the building immediately
  • Call 911
  • Call Security at 780.644.6225 (desk) or 780.991.4573 (cell)

Hide!

If you cannot escape take cover.

  • Lock or barricade doors
  • Close window blinds
  • Stay away from windows
  • Turn off lights
  • Turn cell phones and electronic devices to silent
  • Stay quiet and out of sight
  • Do not open the door for anyone
  • Remain in place until door is opened by police, then carefully follow instructions

Fight!

Last resort if confronted by armed intruder.

  • Defend yourself only if necessary
  • Assist injured persons when safe to do so

If you require assistance

  • Move to a secure location if possible
  • Work with your emergency buddy if you have one
  • Communicate your location when safe
  • Follow instructions from responders
Threat of violence

When to use this:

You witness or experience threatening behaviour, aggression, or escalating conflict.

What to do:

  • Move to a safe location immediately
  • Call 911 if there is immediate danger
  • Contact Security at 780.644.6225 (desk) or 780.991.4573 (cell)
  • If safe, warn others nearby
  • Follow instructions from emergency responders
  • Notify your instructor or manager
Bomb threat or suspicious package

When to use this:

You receive a bomb threat or notice a suspicious item.

What to do:

  • Take all threats seriously
  • Call 911 immediately
  • Contact Security at 780.644.6225 (desk) or 780.991.4573 (cell)
  • Follow instructions from responders

If you find a suspicious package:

  • Do NOT touch it
  • Move away from the area
  • Contact Security at 780.644.6225 (desk) or 780.991.4573 (cell), or Facilities at 780.644.6215
  • Prevent others from approaching
  • Wait in a safe place for responders
Hazardous condition or facility emergency

When to use this:

You notice a hazardous or unsafe condition such as a gas smell, unknown chemical spill, water leak or structural concern.

What to do:

  • Move away from the hazard
  • Notify Security at 780.644.6225 (desk) or 780.991.4573 (cell) or Facilities 780.644.6215
  • Follow instructions (you may be asked to evacuate or avoid the area)
Severe weather

When to use this:

Severe weather creates unsafe conditions

What to do:

  • Move indoors if outside
  • Stay away from windows
  • Follow instructions from college officials
  • Be prepared to shelter in place

Accessibility & emergency support

Emergency assistance

Some individuals may require assistance during emergencies.

  • Plan ahead whenever possible
  • Consider arranging an emergency buddy
  • Follow guidance from responders

If assisting someone:

Stay informed

During an emergency, updates will be shared through NorQuest’s mass notification system.

Make sure you are subscribed to receive alerts.

Sign up for NorQuest College's AlertAware notification system.

Our commitment

NorQuest College works closely with emergency services and partners to respond quickly and effectively to incidents, with the goal of protecting students, employees, and visitors.