Health and Safety

What to do in an emergency

Find out what to do in a range of situations, including medical emergencies, fires, and earthquakes.

COVID-19

While under COVID-19 alert levels, it is important to remember that the risk of an emergency occurring remains.

During an emergency, follow existing emergency procedures. Where possible, maintain physical distancing and other requirements. However, immediate threat to life takes priority over COVID-19 restrictions, so staff and students will need to use their judgement during an emergency.

For the latest information about the University's response to COVID-19, visit the dedicated web page.

COVID-19 information

In an emergency

  • Follow all instructions.
  • Warn others.
  • Be aware of what is happening around you.
  • Check Victoria University of Wellington's Facebook page for updates.

Leave through an emergency exit

In an emergency leave the building through an emergency exit route—these routes are identified by green and white exit signage.

Smoke and fire control doors must not be kept open by methods other than specifically installed electronic hold open devices which are designed to release on a fire alarm activation.

Do not use lifts in the event of an emergency or fire alarm. Use the stairs.

Listen to the fire wardens

Two women looking at an evacuation board. One woman wears a yellow vest labelled floor warden and the other woman wears an orange vest labelled building warden.

All University buildings have building and floor wardens who are trained in evacuating people in an emergency.

In an emergency, listen to the wardens—they will tell you what you need to do and where you need to go.

Floor wardens wear bright yellow vests and building wardens wear bright orange vests.

Guidance for emergencies

One or more of the following events may be as a result of, or driven by another event. For example, an earthquake may cause electricity failure which in turn may cause people to become trapped in a lift.