Brock University is joining communities and organizations across Canada in marking Emergency Preparedness Week (EP Week).

The national initiative, which runs Sunday, May 3 to Saturday, May 9, aims to raise awareness and encourage everyone to plan for emergencies that could impact areas where they live, work and study.

As part of its emergency preparedness efforts, Brock will conduct a full-scale test of the Mass Notification System on Sunday, May 3.

This system can broadcast urgent messages across all Brock network computer screens, electronic message boards, email, voicemail extensions and social media platforms.

EP Week also offers an ideal opportunity for Brock students, staff and faculty to ensure the Brock Safety App is installed, updated and active on their mobile devices.

George Bench, Director of Emergency Management and Life Safety, notes that the app is free to download from the App Store and Google Play.

“The Brock Safety App plays a vital role in the University’s safety notification and communications approach, giving users direct access to safety resources and timely information when urgent situations arise,” he says.

To get the most from the app and ensure they’re receiving timely notifications, Brock users should:

• Turn on notifications for the Brock Safety App.
• Keep both the app and device operating system up to date.
• Open the app regularly.
• Review battery and background activity settings — battery optimization and adaptive battery settings are especially important for Android users.
• Check device settings that may automatically hibernate (offload), disable or restrict apps that are not used frequently.

“Keeping the app active is important not only during Emergency Preparedness Week, but throughout the year,” says Bench.

This EP Week, Brock is also reminding students, staff and faculty that a few simple steps can make a big difference when it comes to emergency response, including:

• Understanding the risks that may impact their community, such as potential severe weather. Niagara Region provides helpful tips around weather and preparedness.
• Making plans in advance to ensure they, along with family or colleagues, can respond effectively to an emergency at home or work.
• Preparing an emergency kit of basic supplies that would allow them to be self-sufficient for at least 72 hours during an emergency.

Open the Brock Safety App and visit the Campus Safety Services website for more resources, such as emergency contacts, safety tips, support information and useful links.