Preparedness

Emergency preparedness includes both institutional planning and individual readiness.

Emergency management plan

NorQuest College maintains a comprehensive Emergency Management Plan (EMP) to support effective prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery activities for a wide range of incidents.

The EMP is developed using current best practices in emergency management and is regularly reviewed and updated to ensure it remains aligned with emerging risks and organizational needs. For security reasons, detailed operational components of the plan are not publicly shared. For more information, please contact emergencyprep@norquest.ca.

Incident command system

NorQuest College uses the Incident Command System (ICS) to prepare for and manage emergency situations. ICS is an internationally recognized, standardized, and flexible approach that enables coordinated incident management across departments and with external response partners.

Emergency operations centre

NorQuest College maintains an Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) to support coordination and decision-making during significant incidents.

Designated personnel are trained in ICS and EOC operations to ensure the college can effectively manage complex or evolving situations.

Site emergency coordinators and Wardens

NorQuest College trains designated Site Emergency Coordinators, Emergency Wardens, and Security personnel to assist in emergency response.

These individuals support building evacuations, provide situational awareness, and help communicate critical information during an incident.

Business continuity management

Business continuity is the ability to maintain or restore essential services during and after a disruption.

NorQuest College is committed to strengthening its ability to continue critical operations and serve learners, employees, and community partners during disruptive events. The college is actively developing and enhancing its Business Continuity Management approach to support resilience across the organization.

This work includes:

• Establishing a business continuity framework and policy
• Developing plans to support critical functions and services
• Building awareness and training for staff
• Strengthening partnerships with external organizations
• Conducting exercises and continuous improvement activities

Emergency planning for persons requiring assistance

NorQuest College is committed to ensuring all students, staff, and visitors can safely respond during an emergency. Planning ahead and understanding available supports can significantly improve safety outcomes.

If you require assistance during an emergency

If you may need help evacuating or responding to an emergency:

• Plan ahead and familiarize yourself with exits and safe areas
• Consider arranging a trusted emergency buddy (see below)

In an emergency

• If safe, go to the elevator lobby and wait for rescue
• If the elevator lobby is not safe, go to the nearest stairwell landing
• Call Campus Security and provide your exact location:
• 780.644.6225 (desk)
• 780.991.4573 (cell)

• Ask someone leaving the area to inform emergency responders of your location

• Remain in that location while waiting for emergency responders
• Only leave the area if it becomes unsafe to stay

Mobility impairments

• Wait at the elevator lobby (if safe) or stairwell landing for trained responders

• Emergency wardens may assign someone to stay with you until help arrives
• Do not attempt to use stairs if you require mobility assistance
• Do not leave mobility aids behind

Visual impairments

• You may choose to request assistance.
• Responders or helpers should:
• Announce their presence clearly.
• Offer an arm for guidance.
• Describe obstacles, routes, and exits.

Hearing impairments

• Emergency alarms may not always be sufficient.
• Others may:
• Gain your attention through visual signals (e.g., waving, light touch).
• Use gestures, written instructions, or texting to communicate evacuation directions.

Assisting others during an emergency

If you encounter someone who may need assistance:

• Ask before helping—do not assume
• Follow their direction on how to assist

If they cannot evacuate independently:

• Help them move to the elevator lobby (if safe) or nearest stairwell landing
• Instruct them to remain in place and wait for emergency responders
• Reassure them that you will notify Security or responders of their location
• Contact Campus Security immediately and provide their location
• 780.644.6225 (desk)
• 780.991.4573 (cell)
• Do not attempt to carry individuals down stairs.
• Emergency responders are trained and equipped to provide safe evacuation.

• Stay with the person if it is safe to do so, or leave once you have confirmed help has been notified
• The individual should remain where they are unless the location becomes unsafe

Emergency Buddy Program (Voluntary)

NorQuest encourages—but does not assign—a voluntary Emergency Buddy approach.

How it works

• Individuals who may require assistance are encouraged to:
• Select one or more trusted colleagues/classmates as emergency buddies.
• Share relevant information (e.g., preferred assistance methods, locations, schedules).
• Emergency buddies agree to:
• Check in during alarms or emergencies.
• Assist with evacuation or reaching a safe area.
• Communicate the person’s location to wardens or emergency services if needed.

Important notes

• Participation is voluntary.
• Individuals are responsible for identifying and coordinating with their own buddy.
• Emergency responders remain the primary support during evacuations.

Mass Notification System

NorQuest College operates a layered Mass Notification System (MNS) designed to communicate emergency information as quickly and broadly as possible.

Due to the nature of multiple campuses and facilities, no single system can reach everyone at all times. The layered approach increases the likelihood that important information will be received.

The goal of the MNS is to provide timely, accurate alerts so individuals can take appropriate action to protect themselves. In some cases, notifications may be limited if sharing information could interfere with emergency response efforts.

If you receive an emergency notification, please share information with others around you when it is safe to do so.

Notifications may be delivered through:

• SMS/text messaging
• Computer pop-up alerts
• Alert beacons
• Digital signage
• Email
• Verbal communication

Personal Emergency Notifications (AlertAware)

NorQuest College uses AlertAware, a personal emergency notification system that enables the college to send alerts directly to subscribers during an incident.

Students and employees are strongly encouraged to subscribe. Receiving timely information can support personal safety and informed decision-making in an emergency.

Alert beacons

Alert beacons are in key areas throughout college facilities. When activated, these beacons flash, sound an audible alarm, and display emergency messaging.

If a beacon is activated, remain alert for additional information and follow instructions provided by college officials and emergency responders.

Computer pop-ups

Emergency alerts can be sent to NorQuest College-owned computers as on-screen pop-up messages.

If you receive a pop-up alert, review the message carefully and follow instructions. Note that messages will not appear on devices that are turned off, locked, or in screen saver mode.

Digital signage

Digital signage located throughout campus may display emergency information during an incident.

If an emergency message appears, follow the instructions provided and remain attentive for additional updates.

Questions

For questions about emergency management or business continuity at NorQuest College, please contact:

Email: emergencyprep@norquest.ca
Phone: 780.644.6215