Emergency Management Policy

To establish Seneca Polytechnic’s approach to emergency management planning, including the prevention/mitigation of, preparedness for, response to, and recovery from emergencies.  

This policy applies to all Seneca students, employees, contractors and community members at all Seneca campuses, at all Seneca-leased spaces, and Seneca-organized or Seneca-sanctioned and controlled off-site activities.  

Maintaining a constant state of readiness, which involves planning for all types of emergencies that may impact the Seneca community - environmental, technological and human-caused.

Documented procedures that ensure Seneca’s ability to continue essential operations and functions during and after a disruptive event or emergency.

A situation or an impending situation that constitutes a danger of major proportions that could result in serious harm to persons and/or substantial damage to property and that is caused by the forces of nature, a disease or other health risk, an accident or an act whether intentional or otherwise.

An interdisciplinary body responsible for supporting an effective organization-wide emergency management program.

A coordinated and integrated framework that incorporates the four phases of emergency management: prevention/mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery.

Seneca’s program defines authority and responsibilities for program governance, the identification and assessment of hazards and risks, vital infrastructure and services, notification procedures, training programs and exercises for Seneca personnel.

An operational guide for a coordinated and effective response to all types of emergencies. It ensures the safety of the Seneca community and maintains the continuity of academic activities and services to students wherever possible. 

A standardized, functional concept of operations for emergency management response. 

A community that adapts rapidly to change and disruptions due to crisis or routine emergencies, while accepting new challenges and learning from the experience.

Stakeholders, including but not limited to, students, employees, volunteers, contractors, industry and community partners, who access Seneca properties, leased spaces and attend activities hosted by Seneca off-site.

1. Seneca is committed to cultivating a safe and resilient environment for the Seneca community.
2. Seneca will continuously seek to minimize the impact of incidents and emergencies on the Seneca community.
3. Seneca will promote, encourage and facilitate engagement in emergency management awareness, communications and responses across the Seneca community.

1. Seneca maintains and follows an emergency management program that includes, but is not limited to:
   • an emergency response plan
   • hazard-specific emergency response plans
   • hazard identification and risk assessment
   • a standard incident command system
     
   • emergency preparedness activities (training and exercises)
   • an emergency notification system
   • business continuity plans
2. Seneca continuously monitors, evaluates and benchmarks its adherence to and implementation of emergency management program activities to evaluate Seneca’s application of this policy, including ongoing performance measures and best practices.
3. Seneca will monitor and report on its emergency management performance through universally accepted sustainability indicators and benchmarks.

1. The Seneca community is responsible for adhering to all emergency notifications and communications and following emergency response procedures and posted emergency information in the event of an emergency.
2. Security and Emergency Management Services is responsible for the oversight and implementation of the Emergency Management Program and may establish procedures, and guidelines pursuant hereto from time-to-time.
   
3. Seneca academic and functional leads are responsible for developing, implementing, evaluating and revising business continuity plans for their respective areas.

• Seneca’s Emergency Response Plan (PDF)
  
• Seneca’s Emergency Response Guide

• Occupational Health and Safety Policy
• Personal Safety/Security Threats Policy
• Student Code of Conduct Policy
• Emergency Closing Policy

• Occupational Health and Safety Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. O.1
• Ontario Fire Code, O. Reg. 213/07

Approval Date: June 2024