Persons Requiring Assistance - Fire Safety

Plan ahead. Support with respect.

Support safe evacuations through advance planning, clear communication, and respect for each person’s needs.

Assistance Procedures

Review Western's guidance for people who cannot safely evacuate during a fire alarm.

Read Shelter-in-Place Procedure (PDF)

Contact Fire Safety

Ask about advance planning, assistance procedures, or support for your building.

Contact Fire Safety

Supporting Safe, Inclusive Evacuations

Who May Require Assistance

A person may require assistance during an alarm or evacuation for many reasons, including mobility, sensory, medical, temporary injury, communication, or other accessibility-related needs.

Assistance needs may be temporary, situational, or ongoing. Avoid making assumptions about a person's needs or abilities.

Ask whether assistance is wanted and what support would be helpful. Respect the person's dignity, preferences, and individual circumstances.

Supporting Safe Procedures

Emergency Team members may provide general direction, share information, and support approved evacuation or shelter-in-place procedures where appropriate.

Follow your training and the building's approved procedures. Do not attempt unsafe rescues or carry a person.

Do not use elevators during a fire alarm unless authorized by fire personnel.

Provide support only where it is safe, without placing yourself or others at risk.

Communicating Assistance Needs

Promptly report the location of anyone unable to evacuate safely.

For shelter-in-place reporting, contact WSCS at 519-661-3300. Call 911 in an emergency or if WSCS cannot be reached.

Provide the building, exact location, number of people, relevant assistance needs, and a callback number.

Share information respectfully and only with those who need it to support safety and emergency response. Do not report an emergency by email.

Planning Ahead

If you may require assistance, discuss your needs with your manager, building coordinator, Emergency Team, or Western Fire Safety before an emergency occurs.

Become familiar with your building's procedures and connect with appropriate campus supports. Planning should reflect your individual circumstances and the building you use.

Discuss Assistance Planning

Helpful Contacts

Emergency Assistance

Emergency: 911

Call 911 if there is fire, smoke, an active alarm, or an immediate threat to life or safety.

WSCS Non-Emergency / After-Hours Assistance:
519-661-3300

Western Fire Safety

Email: firesafety@uwo.ca
Phone: 519-661-2111 ext. 88053
Location: Graphics Building, Room 123
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.