Definition of an Emergency (the definition officially used at Queen’s)

An emergency is an incident, accident or otherwise, which requires immediate action to prevent loss of life, personal injury, severe personal hardship or loss or damage to University property or equipment. 

When faced with an emergency:

  • Try to remain calm; do not panic.
  • As quickly as you can, size up the situation and decide what to do.
  • If you are in personal danger, plan first to get to safety, second to activate fire alarms and/or summon aid, and third to do what you can to bring the situation under control. Put life ahead of saving property. 
  • Consider what chain of events may follow, in view of the existing situation.  If possible, take steps to prevent or limit any further incidents and complications.  Act yourself or communicate your ideas to those in charge.
  • If there is danger that the area affected by an emergency may grow, take steps to ensure that this threat is recognized and dealt with (warn people in adjacent areas to leave or take appropriate action, warn those in charge, etc.).
  • If you are asked to leave the area; make your area safe, if time permits, by turning off hazardous experiments or equipment and closing the door; and then leave promptly.  Do not re-enter the area until you have been instructed to do so.
  • If you feel you cannot assist in dealing with the situation, leave the emergency area and stay away.  Make sure that those involved in the operations know you are safe, should there be any question.
  • Do not use the emergency telephones for other than emergency calls.  During a serious emergency, do not use any telephones for other calls.

Emergency Reporting Procedures

Note that Queen's maintains an Emergency Report Centre to provide a central point where emergency situations on campus can be reported regardless of when they occur.  The personnel at the Centre have been instructed on the action to take in response to emergency calls.  It is important that they receive sufficient details of the emergency to enable them to react properly.