The University of Waterloo's campus-wide Fire Safety Program encompasses all aspects of fire and life safety. We work with Waterloo Fire Rescue to promote fire safety on campus. All members of the University community are responsible for reporting hazards and following evacuation procedures.
Fire and evacuation procedures
Fire and evacuation procedures are outlined on Emergency Procedure Fire/Evacuation Posters located throughout campus in locations such as:
- Health and safety bulletin boards
- Near campus phones and room exits
- Labs and classrooms
Emergency wardens are responsible for assisting with building evacuations and can be identified by red warden hats. The University conducts fire drills in accordance with the Ontario Fire Code to ensure building occupants understand the procedures and that all building systems work properly.
In non-fire situations threatening safety like building service interruption or hazardous materials spills, buildings are evacuated under the direction of the University of Waterloo Special Constable Service, emergency wardens and emergency response services. Do not use fire alarms to evacuate buildings without approval.
Monthly fire alarm inspections
As per requirement of the Ontario Fire Code live fire alarm testing will conducted on a monthly basis in each building across campus. These tests are conducted outside of normal business hours (prior to 8:00am). During this testing you can expect the fire alarm to sound for approximately 1 minute. Building evacuation is not required but be alert for actual fire emergencies and respond appropriately. If you have any questions please contact the Fire Services Supervisor, Laura Barry.
Academic & Office Buildings
Unless noted otherwise, all academic and office buildings will have their monthly fire alarm inspections performed between 6:30AM and 8:00AM.
|
Schedule |
Buildings |
|---|---|
|
First Monday |
Psychology, Hagey Hall Humanities, Tatham Centre, Arts Lecture Hall |
|
First Tuesday |
East Campus 1, East Campus 2, East Campus 3, East Campus 4, East Campus 5 |
|
First Wednesday |
School of Pharmacy, Integrated Health Building, Innovation Arena (Velocity), University Club (10:00AM-11:30AM), Bauer Warehouse (10:00AM-11:30AM), Avril Building (10:00AM-11:30AM) |
|
First Friday |
Energy Research Centre, Math 3, Burt Matthews Hall, Lyle S. Hallman Institute, Applied Health Science |
|
Second Monday |
Engineering 2, Engineering 3, William G. Davis Centre, Math and Computer |
|
Second Wednesday |
Physical Activities Complex, Student Life Centre, Federation Hall, Research Advancement Centre, Research Advancement Centre 2 |
|
Third Monday |
Centre for Environment and Information Technology, Earth Science and Chemistry, Physics, Chemistry 2 |
|
Third Wednesday |
Carl A. Pollock Hall, Douglas Wright Engineering, South Campus Hall, Rod Coutts Hall, Grad House |
|
Third Thursday |
General Service Complex, Commissary, Central Services Building |
|
Third Friday |
School of Architecture, Aberfoyle (10:00AM-11:30AM), Digital Media Stratford (12:00PM-1:00PM), Fire Research Facility (1:00PM-2:30PM) |
|
Fourth Monday |
Quantum Nano Centre, Biology 1, Biology 2, Science Teaching Centre, Health Services |
|
Fourth Wednesday |
Bright Starts Early Learning, Toby Jenkins Building, School of Optometry, Columbia Icefield |
Housing Buildings
All housing buildings will have their monthly fire alarm inspections performed between 1:00PM and 2:30PM.
|
Schedule |
Buildings |
|---|---|
|
First Friday |
Minota Hagey Residence, Mackenzie King Village, Ron Eydt Village |
|
Third Monday |
Village 1 |
|
Fourth Wednesday |
Waterloo Court, Woolwich Court, Beck Hall |
|
Fourth Friday |
Wilmot Court, Wellesley Court, Eby Hall, Claudette Millar Hall |