All Emergency procedure plans and public safety information are available in accessible format/with appropriate communication supports upon request.
Mohawk Security & Emergency Management is on campus 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to support the college community in the event of an emergency.
On this page:
Emergency Directory
| Police, Fire, Medical | |
|---|---|
| College Emergency Services (24 Hours) | |
| Security Desks (for non-emergencies) | |
| Campus Closure Line | |
| From any phone | 911 |
| Mohawk Security & Emergency Management | 905-575-2003 905-574-5111 |
| Fennell, Stoney Creek, and Airport Campuses | 55 (from college phones) |
| Institute for Applied Health Sciences at McMaster (McMaster Security) | 88 (from university phones) |
| Fennell, Stoney Creek, and Airport Campuses | 905-575-2003 |
| Institute for Applied Health Sciences at McMaster (McMaster) | 905-525-9140 ext. 24281 |
For up-to-date messages on the status of the college campuses. Emergency closures are governed by Campus/College Emergency Closure Procedure ERP803 | 905-575-2444 |
Emergency Procedures
Mohawk College has a suite of Emergency Response Procedures that fall under our Emergency Response Policy. We are continually working to improve and perfect these procedures. The information below provides quick access to our official policies and procedures.
Active Threat
As part of the college's Emergency Response Plan, the college has developed a procedure to guide general direction of the college community on how to respond during an Active Threat or Violent Incident. Our Active Threat Procedures encompasses both Lockdown and Hold and Secure Incidents. For a link to the full procedure - ERP809 - Active Threat PDF
A quick summary:
- “Active Threat” refers to a situation where there is a threat that could pose a danger to the college community.
- “Hold and Secure” is a term used to describe an incident where access to the college is restricted due to a threat (police action, weather event or environmental hazard) happening nearby but poses no direct threat to people inside the building.
- “Lockdown” describes the response to a direct threat to the safety and well-being of the college community. This may involve an individual(s) armed with a knife, gun or explosives, a hostage situation or a terrorist attack within the college building.
Hold and Secure Procedures
- Community is advised of a Hold and Secure situation on campus via the Emergency Notification Systems
- All exterior doors to the college are locked and all community members are to remain inside
- Normal college operations, including teaching, will continue
- Security will continue to monitor situation with Police and will advise of any changes.
- Emergency remains in effect until an "All Clear" announcement is made via PA and Emergency Notification System.
Lockdown Procedures
- Upon receiving the lockdown message or observing a violent incident, act as quickly and calmly as possible.
- Consider the following options to make a decision and act specific to your situation:
- Get out – evacuate if you can. When there is an escape route and where you believe the threat is not in your immediate area, attempt to evacuate the building and run away from campus.
- Hide – if you can’t evacuate hide and barricade yourself in a place where the threat is less likely to gain access.
- Fight – if you can’t get out or hide, be prepared to fight for your life. Be prepared to use nearby objects as weapons and commit to taking aggressive action if you come into contact with the threat and are in immediate danger of death or serious injury. Fighting is a last resort.
- Remain in a safe place and do not enter the college until an ‘All Clear’ Emergency Notification Message is received.
Emergency Notification System
The college has developed a variety of methods of communication to alert the community about an emergency. A variety of methods are utilized in order to avoid reliance on any one method and to better ensure communication to as many people affected as possible. Here are some of the systems in place at Mohawk College:
- Public Address System - audible message is played over the current Fire Alarm Speaker System
- College Display Screens - regular programming on the hallway LCD screens is interrupted with the Emergency Message
- Text Messages - activated through the Security Alert Messenger (SAM) to registered mobile phones - Register
- Computer desktop screens - college computers that are active at the time of emergency notification
- Alertus Beacons - beacons begin to flash and display the emergency message
Testing and Education
The college is committed to testing their Emergency Notification Systems and providing education on the response procedures during each of the 3 academic terms. Prior notification, via college email, will occur before each test.
Note: Active Threat procedures may be different for the IAHS at McMaster University (opens new window).
Active Threat Emergencies Educational Video
Fire Alarms
Everyone should be familiar with fire alarm sounds and procedures for the buildings at each campus they may be required to attend.
Security Services is responsible for investigating all fire alarms and coordinating emergency response efforts with the Hamilton Fire Department.
Fennell and Stoney Creek Campuses
The fire alarm systems at the Fennell and Stoney Creek campuses are two-stage alarm systems.
First Stage
Alert Signal: Slow intermittent beeps
Standby and prepare to leave the building. Listen for announcements and instructions.
Second Stage
Alert Signal: Three fast beeps
Evacuate the building via the nearest safe exit.
What you need to do:
Upon Discovery of Fire:
- Leave fire area immediately and close doors behind you
- Pull the nearest fire alarm
- Evacuate the building via the nearest exit
- Call Security at 905.575.2003 or call 911 from a safe location
Upon Hearing the Second Stage Alarm Signal:
- Evacuate the building by the nearest safe exit
- Close doors behind you
- Do not use elevators as you could be trapped if the power fails or is switched off
- Use an alternate route if you encounter smoke
- If a person with a disability cannot be evacuated from the building, assist them to a fire rated room such as an office or classroom that is away from smoke or fire, as close as possible to an exit. Preference should be given to rooms with two exits and a telephone. Notify Security and/or the Fire Department of their specific location
- Take up a position away from the building so as not to interfere with emergency personnel
- Remain outside the building until an "All Clear" has been given by the Fire Department, Security, designated staff and/or Fire Wardens
Medical Emergency
- Security can assist with First Aid Emergencies
- Call 911 & Security at 905-575-2003 for major medical emergencies
Emergency Response Plan
Mohawk College is committed to providing the safest possible environment for students, employees and the public. The Mohawk College Emergency Response Plan (ERP) has been designed to assist in the management of all incidents and emergencies affecting the campus. The plan takes an “all hazards” risk mitigation approach to any potential emergency that involves employees, students, and the public. The plan outlines the responsibilities for decision making during the emergency management process.
For a copy of Mohawk's ERP, please email: security [at] mohawkcollege.ca (security[at]mohawkcollege[dot]ca)