Ensuring safety on all our campuses is a top priority. Emergencies are rare, but it's important to be prepared.
What to Expect
Different types of emergencies could have different impacts across campuses and learning centres. Depending on the situation, notifications will be posted on the Selkirk College website and social media channels. Find out what the different notifications mean.
Notice
Notice: A non-emergency update.
A notice has a minimal impact and does not affect instruction or wide-ranging services.
Instructional break
Instructional break: No teaching activities.
An instructional break can be program specific, campus wide or college wide. While teaching activities are suspended, all college employees are still on a regular working day.
Limited services
Limited services: A reduction in the services available to students or the general public.
Limited services can be related to an instructional break or another occurrence.
Campus closure
Campus closure: No teaching activities, including access to studios and labs. No general front-facing services. This is generally a planned occurrence.
During a campus closure, regular business is generally suspended, but certain employees with specific roles are permitted and active on campus (e.g., Facilities).
Campus shutdown
Campus shutdown: No on-campus teaching activities, including access to studios and labs. No general front-facing services on campus. No employees on site without explicit direction. This is generally an unplanned occurrence.
During a campus shutdown, access to campus is restricted and must be cleared by Facilities. Selkirk College will contact students.
Employees working remotely will continue as a regularly scheduled day. Employees who were scheduled to physically attend a campus will work remotely where possible and should connect with their supervisor for direction.
Campus evacuation
Campus evacuation: No campus access.
Students and employees are restricted from accessing campus, unless cleared by executive leadership. Facilities must be notified prior to arrival. Supervisors will provide guidance to employees via email.
Campus open
Campus open: Classes and services resume as normal.
All restrictions are lifted.
What to Do
Know what to do if an emergency happens.
Extreme weather
If a campus shutdown is issued for one or more Selkirk College campus due to extreme weather, notifications will be posted on the Selkirk College website and social media feeds.
Wildfire
If a campus shutdown is issued for one or more Selkirk College campus due to wildfire, notifications will be published on the Selkirk College website and social media feeds.
Be prepared for a fire season that may include an evacuation. Have an emergency plan in place and make an emergency kit and a grab-and-go bag. Visit Prepared BC for more information.
Download the BC Wildfire Service mobile app and monitor the regional district and city websites and social media feeds for the most up-to-date information.
Castlegar
Regional District of Central Kootenay
Nelson
Regional District of Central Kootenay
Trail
Regional District of Kootenay Boundary
Grand Forks
Regional District of Kootenay Boundary
Kaslo
Regional District of Central Kootenay
Nakusp
Flooding
If a campus shutdown is issued for one or more Selkirk College campus due to flooding, notifications will be published on the Selkirk College website and social media feeds.
Be prepared for flooding, make sure you have a plan and supplies. Make an emergency kit and a grab-and-go bag. Visit Prepared BC for more information.
Structure fire
In the event of a structure fire, activate the closest fire alarm. Leave the building immediately and help anyone with mobility challenges evacuate safely.
Hazardous spill
If a hazardous material is spilled on campus, shut down any equipment and notify your instructor or supervisor immediately.
Gas leak
If you smell a gas leak on campus, alert a staff person or call 911. Pull the fire alarm and shut down any nearby equipment, motors or heaters that could be an ignition hazard.
Evacuate the building, closing doors on your way out, and move at 60 metres away from the building. Don’t go back in until emergency crews indicate that it is safe.
Power failure
If the power goes out on campus, stay calm and stay where you are unless you are directed to leave the building. Switch off or unplug computers and other electrical equipment to avoid power surge damage.
Campus buildings have emergency power generators and/or emergency lighting to assist in exiting the building.
Person in distress
If you see a person in a state of emotional distress, please call 911.
Someone in distress might:
- Talk about suicide.
- Make violent threats.
- Lose control of their emotions.
Lockdown
If there's a lockdown on campus, you will be notified by a staff member. Once you're notified about a lockdown:
- Get to a secure area, like an office, classroom or lab. Lock all the doors and create a barricade with furniture or heavy objects. Do not leave until you've been notified by police or emergency crews. If the firm alarm sounds, only evacuate if you are advised by police or emergency crews.
- Close and lock windows. Close the blinds.
- Turn off all lights and audio equipment.
- Move away from doors and windows. Stay low to make yourself less visible.
- Do not hide in or use washrooms.
- Do not assemble in large open areas.
- Turn your ringer off. Only make essentials calls.
- Stay quiet and remain calm.
Active threat
Active threat situations are rare, but they can occur with little warning and may evolve quickly. An active threat is a person who is actively attempting, threatening or appearing prepared to cause serious harm to others.
During an active threat incident, your response will depend on your location, the circumstances and what options are available to you at the time.
Run or Escape
If it is safe to do so, leave the area immediately. Encourage others to come with you, if possible, but do not delay your escape. Once safe, call 9-1-1 and provide any information you can.
Hide and Prepare
If you cannot safely leave, move to a secure location. Lock and barricade doors, if possible, turn off lights, silence mobile devices, remain quiet and stay out of sight. Be prepared to take further action if circumstances change.
Fight and Defend Yourself
As a last resort, and only if you are faced with an immediate threat and have no safe means of escape, take action to protect yourself and create an opportunity to survive and escape.
When law enforcement arrives, remain calm, follow instructions, keep your hands visible and avoid sudden movements.