Dear Asper Faculty, Staff and Student Hire,

Welcome to the Fall Term!

As we welcome students, faculty, and staff back to campus for the first day of the Fall Term, we’d like to remind everyone about fire alarm procedures and the importance of following established safety protocols during any emergency.

With the building expected to be busy throughout the term, your cooperation is essential in helping us maintain a safe environment for everyone in the Asper community.

Regardless of whether the fire alarm is a false alarm or not, we must always follow our standard mandatory protocol to evacuate the building. This is an important reminder that safety procedures should be followed at all times, ensuring that we are prepared in case of an actual emergency. Since we are in the colder months, make sure to grab your Jacket, gloves/mittens, and Hat/Tuque before heading out during any emergency.

Please take note of the following important reminders:

1. Evacuation Procedures
   All faculty, staff, and students are expected to evacuate the building immediately when a fire alarm is activated. Do not wait for confirmation of the cause before exiting. Please familiarize yourself with the nearest emergency exits and evacuation routes. If you are unsure, feel free to contact your department's Fire Warden or the Dean’s Office for assistance.
2. Role of Fire Wardens
   Each department and each floor here in the Drake Building has designated Fire Wardens who assist in ensuring everyone evacuates safely and efficiently. Fire Wardens wear identifiable badges during drills and emergencies and help direct traffic, report issues, and communicate with safety teams.
3. Student Resistance to Evacuate
   Should you encounter students or individuals who are reluctant to evacuate, please do not argue or engage in lengthy discussion. Instead, note their location and prioritize helping others exit the building safely. Concerns can be addressed once the evacuation is complete.
4. Communication Tools
   Fire Wardens use the Signal app to stay in contact during emergencies. While this may not apply to all staff, we encourage everyone to keep their phones nearby and stay alert for updates from supervisors or building administrators.
5. Departmental Communication
   Once the building has been cleared and it is safe to re-enter, designated personnel will relay this information to their departments. Please wait for official confirmation before returning to your workspaces.

We appreciate everyone’s cooperation in keeping the Asper School of Business a safe environment. Emergency preparedness is a shared responsibility, and your awareness and responsiveness play a critical role.

If you have any questions or suggestions regarding fire safety or evacuation procedures, please don’t hesitate to contact the Dean’s Office. I have also attached a previous email communication regarding emergency preparedness for more information.

Thank you, and best wishes for a safe and successful term.

PS: To all the Department Administrators, please forward this email to all the new sessional instructors for the Fall Term.

Regards,

Larah Combate (she/her)

Administrative Services and Building Coordinator

Dean's Office | Asper School of Business

University of Manitoba

Room 319, 181 Freedman Crescent

Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3T 5V4

Phone: 204-474-7037

Larah.Combate@umanitoba.ca