Campus-wide evacuation drills begin Sept. 8

The University of Calgary will conduct its annual building evacuation drills from September 8 to 17, 2025. The drills are a key part to support the university’s emergency preparedness, ensuring all members of our campus community are familiar with evacuation procedures and what to do in the event of an emergency.

Brief disruptions to daily activities

All buildings are scheduled for evacuation drills. If you work, teach, or study in a building scheduled to be evacuated, plan for a brief disruption of approximately 15 minutes. Building alarms will sound and occupants will be instructed to evacuate promptly.

Please refer to the evacuation drill schedule to determine when your building will be impacted. Students living in residence can find additional information about their drills on the residence evacuation drills page.

Why these drills matter

Evacuation drills are more than a regulatory requirement. Practicing safe and efficient evacuations helps the entire campus community prepare for the unexpected. In an actual emergency, quick, calm, and informed action can make all the difference. Drills also allow the emergency management team to identify potential challenges, improve response times, and refine emergency procedures.

Your responsibilities

Everyone on campus has a role to play before, during, and after the drills. Familiarize yourself with the evacuation instructions and responsibilities, as well as your building’s evacuation maps and assembly points. The free, online UCalgary course Evacuation Essentials offers practical guidance for responding confidently in an emergency.

When the alarm is sounding, respond calmly but quickly. If it is safe to do so, you can grab your personal belongings before leaving the building. Only go back inside the building once you’ve received the all-clear. 

Anyone with temporary or permanent disabilities should use the Emergency Buddy Program to pair up with a Buddy who can assist during an evacuation. 

Stay informed

UCalgary uses multiple communication channels to ensure emergency notifications can reach students, postdocs, faculty and staff. Ensure you have downloaded the UCSafety mobile app or signed up for SMS alerts. These tools provide real-time notifications and guidance during emergencies on campus on your cell phone. 

Participating in evacuation drills and staying informed enhances UCalgary’s ability to respond effectively during emergencies and helps foster a strong culture of safety throughout the university community.