Public Safety

The RCMP provide policing for the entire campus community, including the UNA and the University Endowment Lands (UEL). Find out more about safety tips for residents.

In case of an emergency, please call 9-1-1.

Please find the following contacts for utilities:

To report a power outage, contact BC Hydro at 1-888-769-3766
For natural gas emergencies, please contact Fortis BC at 1-800-663-9911
To reach UBC Energy Water Services, call (604)-822-2173.

Please find the following non-emergency contacts at UBC:

For fire prevention, contact UBC Fire Department at (604)-665-6010
To reach UBC RCMP, call (604)-224-1322
For assistance from UBC Campus Security, call (604)-822-2222.

In an emergency, call 9-1-1

Report a Crime:
Please use the RCMP Online Crime Reporting tool for the following non-emergency crimes:

Lost Property
Theft of Bicycle Under $5000
Theft Under $5000
Theft Under $5000 from Vehicle
Damage/Mischief Under $5000 to Property
Damage/Mischief Under $5000 to Vehicle
Driving Complaints
Hit and Run to Unoccupied Vehicle or Property

UBC RCMP Contact Information
The RCMP provide policing for the entire campus community, including the UNA Neighbourhoods and the University Endowment Lands (UEL)

RCMP website
604-224-1322

The UNA neighbourhoods are safe neighbourhoods with a generally lower crime rate than most parts of the Lower Mainland. The RCMP provide policing for the entire campus community, including the UNA and the University Endowment Lands (UEL). Even though the UNA is a safe community, there are still things everyone should be aware of.

Safety Tips for Families:

Make sure that your child knows their name, address, and telephone number and how to dial 911 in case of an emergency.
Encourage your child to remain with friends when playing in public areas, such as parks and playgrounds.
Make sure that you know where younger children are at all times.
Make sure that your child is familiar with your neighbourhood and safe places where they can go in case of an emergency.
The Old Barn Community Centre and Wesbrook Community Centre are a safe place where children can go if they are lost, have any safety concerns, or need to phone their parents.

Safety for Adults
Although the UNA Community is a safe community, it is still important to be aware of potentially dangerous situations.

Safety When Walking or Jogging
When jogging or walking it is better to remain in areas of high visibility and travel with a friend. If this is not possible, or you simply enjoy running in the woods or other quiet spaces, it is important to carry a safety whistle and/or a cell phone, and to remain alert to any signs of danger.

Night-Time Safety
If you must return to your home or vehicle after dark, remain in well-lighted areas and be alert for potential dangers. Dangers may not always be human. Don’t forget that our community is home to skunks, raccoons, and coyotes all of which can be dangerous if they are surprised or approached too closely. Tips for coexisting with coyotes.

Neighbours
One of the best ways of all to be safe is to know both your neighbourhood and your neighbours. The more places that you are familiar with and the more people you know in your neighbourhood, the more likely you will feel safe.

What is an Emergency? What is a Disaster?

An emergency is a present or imminent event that:

Is caused by an accident, fire, explosion, or technical failure, or by the forces of nature and;
Requires prompt coordination of action or special regulation of persons or property to protect the health, safety, or welfare of people or to limit damage to property.

A disaster is a calamity that:

Is caused by accident, fire, explosion or technical failure, or by the forces of nature, and has resulted in serious harm to the health, safety, or welfare of people, or in widespread damage to property.

What is the UNA doing to help residents prepare?

The UNA is committed to keeping its residents safe. An important part of doing so is ensuring that residents are prepared for an emergency or disaster: the best protection is knowing what to do.

The UBC Vancouver campus is situated on the edge of the Point Grey peninsula. As a result, UBC is geographically isolated and inherently poses a unique challenge in terms of executing emergency response following a large-scale emergency or disaster. UBC recognizes the possibility where the University may be temporarily disconnected from external response agencies and humanitarian assistance.

Metro Vancouver has delegated the responsibility to UBC in leading the development of an over-arching Emergency Management Plan for the campus, that is integrated into Metro Vancouver’s Emergency Management Plan. UBC has identified the UNA neighbourhoods as part of the University’s area of responsibility during any event where an emergency response is required. To that end, UBC has incorporated the UNA neighbourhoods as part of UBC’s Emergency Management Plan (UBC EMP), and is working closely with the UNA on emergency planning.

As part of UBC’s commitment to integrate the UNA within their Emergency Management Plan, emergency notifications for UNA residents have been incorporated into UBC Alert.

Emergency notifications from UBC Alert, an emergency notification system, will be sent to UNA residents who are UNA Members, or who have a UNA Access Card. The text message will provide immediate information on how to respond and/or where to obtain additional information.
What is UBC Alert?

UBC Alert is emergency mass notification system that has the capability to disseminate information out to residents, faculty, staff and students during an emergency or disaster through various communication methods (e.g. text message to cell, text-to-voice, email).

UBC Alert will send UNA residents emergency notifications via text message on cell phones. The UNA encourages residents to notify the UNA office of any updates or changes to their emergency contact information.

Disclaimer

By signing up for the UNA Access Card and/or UNA Membership, you will be automatically enrolled to receive emergency notification messages via the UBC Alert system during emergencies that affect or may affect the UBC Vancouver Campus. Primary notification will be through text messages on cellular phones. Depending on the contact information provided to the UNA, a text-to-voice message or an email notification may also be utilized if future system functionality expands.

Please note that enrollment in the system does not guarantee that notifications will be received during an emergency. Depending on the scale and impact of the emergency, residents should expect that notifications can be delayed or may not arrive. If available, the UNA and UBC will post emergency notifications on their main websites and other social media.

Personal contact information collected is used solely for UNA business purposes, including emergency notification. The UNA does not distribute resident contact information for any commercial purposes. The collected information is stored and protected in accordance with UNA and UBC legal requirements and privacy standards.

Block Watch is a free community-led crime prevention program designed to keep neighbourhoods safe by emphasizing neighbourly assistance. Residents establish a network of communication through a map of names, phone numbers, and addresses. By committing to monitor each other’s homes and report any suspicious activities to both the police and their neighbors, they adopt a proactive approach to crime prevention and safety.

Neighbours are often the first to spot an unknown person at one’s door or window. By collaborating with each other, residents can effectively prevent crime in their community before it occurs.

Visit Block Watch Society of BC to learn more about the Block Watch program and get tips on how to keep your community safe.

For more information, you can contact the RCMP University detachment at (604)-224-1322 or visit them in-person.

To stay updated on Block Watch info shared across the UNA, sign up for the UNA newsletter here.

Emergency Procedures

Earthquakes

Earthquake Quick Facts

The earth’s crust is separated into massive pieces called tectonic plates. Consider this as being one gigantic puzzle that is placed in a globe formation with some pieces being interlocked and some that are not.

When the interlocking sections of the plates slip past or slide under one another, a large amount of energy is released, causing the ground to move and shake (aka an Earthquake)

How Does This Affect UNA Residents?

Vancouver is situated on the boundary of the North American Plate and the Juan de Fuca plate. Currently, the Juan de Fuca plate is moving towards the North America plate at a rate of 2-5 cm/year and is subducting beneath the continent in a region called the Cascadia Subduction Zone.

Studies indicate the Juan de Fuca Plate and the North American plate are currently locked together, causing an enormous amount of strain being built up in the earth’s crust. At the moment when these plates snap loose, a large amount of energy will be released and can produce a very large “Megathrust earthquake” (“The Big One”), similar to the 1964 magnitude 9.4 Alaska earthquake or the 1960 magnitude 9.5 Chile earthquake.

However, Vancouver is also at risk of experiencing a lower magnitude but the more damaging earthquakes that can happen in the Strait of Georgia or under the Coast Mountains. Historical data confirms that British Columbia has been struck by some of the world’s largest earthquakes, and recent studies show that there is a 25 percent chance that we will experience another major earthquake within the next 50 years.

Although it is impossible to predict with certainty when the next earthquake will occur, it is important for UNA residents to know what they can do to be prepared.
Earthquakes: Tips To Prepare Your Home
- Clearly label the on/off positions for the water, gas, and electricity.
- Secure heavy appliances and furniture to the walls (and keep heavy items on lower shelves).
- Secure mirrors, paintings and other hanging objects, so they won’t fall off hooks.
- Use child-proof or safety latches on cupboards to keep contents from spilling out.
- Keep an emergency preparedness kit in an accessible location.
- To purchase a UNA emergency preparedness kit – click here
- For more information and tips – click here
  Earthquake Procedures
If you are indoors:

During the shaking
- DROP, COVER AND HOLD ON.
- Stay inside until after the shaking stops.
- Stay away from windows, shelves and heavy objects which may fall.
- DROP under heavy furniture such as a table, desk or any solid furniture.
- COVER your head, face and torso to prevent being hit by falling objects.
- HOLD ON to the object that you are under so that you remain covered. Be prepared to move with the object until the shaking has finished.
- If you can’t get under something strong, or if you are in a hallway, crouch against an interior wall and protect your head and neck with your arms.
- Stay away from an exterior wall, as it is more likely to sustain damage during an earthquake.
After the shaking stops
- Count to 60 to allow debris to finish falling.
- Assess the impact and your immediate surroundings for dangers. Evacuation after an earthquake should not be automatic.
Earthquakes: Stay or Evacuate
Stay

If there is no immediate threat to life and limited damage, such as: Broken glass, non-structural debris, and some utility outages.

Evacuate
- If there is an immediate threat to life, such as: fire, gas leak, flooding, an evacuation order, or major structural damage.
- Proceed with evacuating the building.
- Follow instructions of Building Floor Wardens during evacuation.
- Remain calm, and evacuate quickly and in an orderly manner. WALK, DO NOT RUN.
- Do not use the elevator(s).
  Proceed to the designated Area of Refuge if you have difficulty negotiating the stairs or if you need assistance in evacuating.
- Upon exiting the building, proceed directly to the designated Evacuation Assembly Area (muster station) and wait for further instructions from the Building Emergency Director.
- DO NOT RE-ENTER THE BUILDING until the Fire Department and the Building
  Emergency Director gives permission to do so.
- If an aftershock occurs during evacuation and you are still inside the building, repeat
- DROP, COVER, AND HOLD procedure before resuming evacuation.
Earthquakes: If You Are Outdoors
During the shaking
- Stay outside.
- Do not enter your building to evacuate occupants.
- Go to an open area away from buildings.
- Stay away from lamp posts, overhead power lines and heavy overhead objects that may fall on you.
- If you are in a crowded area, take cover where you won’t be trampled.
After the shaking stops
- Count to 60 to allow debris to finish falling.
- Assess your immediate surroundings for dangers.
- Proceed directly to the designated Evacuation Assembly Area (muster station) and wait for further instructions from the Building Emergency Director.
- DO NOT ENTER ANY BUILDINGS until the Fire Department and the Building Emergency Director gives permission to do so.
If you use a wheelchair
- If you are able, take cover under a sturdy table or desk.
- If you are unable to take cover underneath a table or desk, move towards an interior wall or an inside corner of the room (or an open area if you are outside), lock the wheels and cover your head and neck with your arms.
- Stay away from windows, shelves and heavy objects that may fall.
- Stay away from an exterior wall, as it is more likely to sustain damage during an earthquake.
Earthquakes: Post Earthquake
- Monitor www.ubc.ca and www.myuna.ca for information and updates regarding the event.
- For residents who have provided updated personal contact information to the UNA office may receive notification from UBC’s emergency mass notification system. Monitor your landline phones, cell phones and email mailboxes for voicemail messages, text messages and emails for information and updates regarding the event.
- Emergency Response Personnel or Volunteers may be deployed to areas across campus to disseminate pertinent information in response to the event.
*NOTE: Progress is currently being made by the University and the UNA to address the area of Emergency Social Services (ESS) for the campus community. While the University and the UNA are taking additional measures to help prepare the campus for disasters such as earthquakes, we also strongly encourage staff, faculty, residents and students to be personally prepared (e.g. having 72 hours emergency preparedness kits). Additional ESS related information will be provided once available.*
Fires
Visitors to Metro Vancouver Parks, including Pacific Spirit Park are asked to obey posted signs and fire danger guidelines:
- Campfires are permitted in designated areas with containment facilities (i.e. fire rings/pits), and only as local fire authorities allow
- Briquette and propane barbecues and gas stoves are permitted in approved facilities under direct supervision – if you are using briquettes, PLEASE dispose of them carefully in provided receptacles;
- Smoking is not permitted in regional parks, except in designated areas. Signs mark the designated areas.
- Be aware of all spark sources;
- Report all forest fires to 911 and Parks staff.
Visitors to UNA park spaces have the following fire-related restrictions:
- No open-fires (e.g. campfires or briquette/propane barbecues) are allowed;
- Be aware of all spark sources;
- Report all fires to 911 and UNA staff.
Fires: Forest Fires

In hot and dry summer months, forest fires are of a serious concern. Grass and other open fires can get out of control quickly and cause wildfires. During warmer weather, the number of visitors to regional parks increases, resulting in increased risk of accidental wildfires. If you discover a wildfire, contact the fire department immediately and wait for further instructions regarding evacuation and the protection of you and your home.
Fires: Household Fires
Household fires can spread very quickly and pose a large threat to all building occupants and adjacent buildings.

If you (or another building occupant) discover a fire in your home or somewhere else in the building, follow these steps:
- Immediately activate the closest fire pull alarm.
  Follow instructions of Building Floor Wardens during evacuation.
- Urge people to stay calm and evacuate in a quick and orderly manner. WALK, DO NOT RUN.
- To help contain the fire, close windows and doors that are near to you on your way out, but ONLY DO SO IF IT IS SAFE.
- Use the stairway to evacuate; DO NOT use the elevator(s).
- Proceed to the designated Area of Refuge if you have difficulty negotiating the stairs or if you need assistance in evacuating.
- Upon exiting the building, proceed directly to the designated Evacuation Assembly Area (muster station) and wait for further instructions from the Building Emergency Director.
- Once evacuated, call 911 and provide pertinent information about the fire (building address, location of fire, people trapped, etc.).
- DO NOT RE-ENTER THE BUILDING until the Fire Department and the Building Emergency Director gives permission to do so.
Fires: Fire Prevention Tips For Your Home
- Look for frayed / loose power cords.
- Do not leave portable heating devices unattended.
- Do not leave stoves/ovens unattended when in operation.
- Do not leave combustible materials (e.g. paper, wood, cloth, etc.) near heat sources.
- Extinguish and discard cigarette butts responsibly, using ashtrays. (Local strata bylaws and building policies will be applied to smoking within private property).
- Have a class ABC fire extinguisher
Fires: Outdoor Cooking Tips
*Please ensure if outdoor cooking/barbecues are permitted by your strata/building manager (Local strata bylaws and building policies will be applied in private property)*

Use the following tips to safely cook outdoors:
- Keep flammable liquids away from live coals to avoid explosions and burns.
- Keep children safely away from the barbecue fire.
- Before you start your barbeque, make sure the stand is level and steady.
- Keep a container of water nearby when the coal is burning.
- To start a charcoal fire, use an approved charcoal electric starter or chemicals in cake form. Never use gasoline, naptha, or other flammable materials to start a charcoal fire.
- Never add fire starter after you have started your barbecue to speed a slow fire or rekindle a dying fire; tuck dry kindling under coals.
- When you are finished cooking, soak the coals with water to prevent their re-ignition.
- Never keep damp or wet charcoals in an unventilated area; drying coals can spontaneously combust.