Preparedness

Emergency response plan

NorQuest maintains a detailed emergency response plan (ERP) to support timely and appropriate responses to emergencies. The plan was developed using current best practices in emergency management. The emergency response plan isn’t shared for security reasons. Email emergencyprep@norquest.ca for more information.

Incident command system

NorQuest College uses the incident command system (ICS) to prepare for and respond to emergency situations. The ICS is an internationally standardized, flexible, on-scene, all-hazards approach that enables coordinated incident management among various jurisdictions and agencies.

Emergency operations centre

NorQuest College maintains an emergency operations centre (EOC) to manage serious incidents. Staff is trained in ICS/EOC operations in preparation for an emergency.

Site emergency coordinators and emergency wardens

NorQuest College trains designated site emergency coordinators, emergency wardens, and security personnel to assist in managing an emergency.

Business continuity planning

Business continuity planning is the capacity to maintain key business operations during or shortly following a disruptive event.

NorQuest College is committed to business continuity. Many learners, employees, businesses, industry, and communities rely on NorQuest College to help them succeed. In the possibility of a threat to NorQuest College, it is critical to have a well-informed plan in place to continue our business operations and serve our stakeholders.

NorQuest College has taken a proactive approach to business disruption by creating a business continuity management system that includes:

  • a business continuity policy
  • a business continuity plan with processes to continue essential services
  • education and awareness campaigns
  • partnerships with other post-secondary institutes
  • exercising and auditing the plan

Mass notification system

NorQuest has campuses and buildings where individuals move about from building to building and campus to campus. There is no way to reach everyone with a single technology or system. With this in mind, the college designed a mass notification system (MNS) with many layers of communication channels. Even with a layered approach, it will not be possible to notify all members of the campus community of an incident. If you receive notification of an emergency, share the information with those around you if you can.

The goal of the MNS is to provide alerts or warnings containing accurate information as quickly as possible to as many individuals as possible. The system will provide basic information to individuals. Upon receiving information, individuals should then take actions to protect themselves as officials respond to the safety issue or emergency. The college may not activate the system if a notification would compromise efforts to assist a victim or respond to an emergency.

You may receive notifications through any or all of these methods:

  • personal notification (SMS/text messaging)
  • computer pop-ups
  • alert beacons
  • digital signage
  • email
  • verbally – You may receive notification by someone telling you of the emergency, or by hearing an announcement.

Emergency mass notification system

NorQuest College has invested in a personal mass notification system called Alertus to help prepare and respond to emergency situations. The personal mass notification system enables NorQuest to send notifications to subscribers if an emergency is taking place.

NorQuest College encourages all students and employees to take advantage of this system. Having the most up-to-date information in an emergency could make the difference in ensuring your personal safety.

Sign up for NorQuest College's Alertus emergency mass notification system.

Alert beacons

NorQuest has mounted yellow alert beacons in key areas of college buildings. When activated, these beacons will flash, sound a siren, and display a message with information.

If an emergency beacon is activated, look and listen for other emergency alerts. Follow the instructions of college officials and emergency responders.

Computer pop-ups

All NorQuest College-owned computers can display a pop-up message on the screen in an emergency.

If you are at a computer and an emergency message appears, read the message, then look and listen for any more alerts. Follow instructions of security personnel, staff, faculty, and emergency responders.

The pop-up will not appear on a computer that is off, locked, or if the screen saver is running.

Digital signage

NorQuest’s digital signage is located throughout the college’s campuses including elevator lobbies and other strategic locations.

Outside of an emergency, NorQuest College’s digital signage is used to share important college information. If an emergency notice appears on a digital sign, look and listen for other emergency alerts. Follow the instructions of college officials and emergency responders.

Questions about emergency response and/or business continuity at NorQuest College? Email Facilities at emergencyprep@norquest.ca or phone 780.644.6215 for more details.