Emergency Operations
Emergency Operations
Westminster Canterbury is designed to be as safe as possible from fire and smoke damage. Sprinklers, smoke detectors, fire alarm boxes, smoke evacuation systems, and fire extinguishers are located throughout the building. It is strongly suggested that residents familiarize themselves with the following procedures.
Stay calm.
Leave at once and close the door. Do not lock the door.
Sound the alarm using one of the red pull stations located in the hallways, or use a hall phone and notify the Reception Desk.
Stay calm.
Leave at once and close the door. Do not lock the door.
Go to a neighbor’s house and call the Reception Desk.
Stay calm.
Sound the alarm using one of the red pull stations.
Go to the nearest public room and stay until further directions are given or you hear the “ALL CLEAR” over the fire alarm intercom system.
Do not use the elevators.
Westminster Canterbury is equipped with emergency generators that operate automatically if there is a disruption in electrical service to the community.
Equipment connected to the emergency generators include corridor lighting, exit signs, boilers, elevators, and building fans.
Five (5) emergency diesel generators are a part of WC’s general preparedness program. They have the capability of providing essential power to all common areas, as well as Creekside and Brookhaven apartments. Woods Edge apartments have limited power by way of red electrical outlets.
Individual emergency power generators can be installed in cottages upon resident request and expense.
The call bells in every apartment and cottage, as well as the safety pendants are connected with the Reception Desk and there is a staff member on duty 24 hours a day to monitor this system. When an alarm is received, the Reception Desk attempts to contact the resident to rule out a false alarm. If there is no answer, Security and nursing staff are dispatched.
If there are two people in an apartment or cottage and one is suspected of having a life-threatening emergency, the unaffected person should dial "0" or activate the emergency call system.
The nurses carry emergency first aid supply boxes and an automated external defibrillator with them on all emergency calls.
The most important thing to remember about any emergency is to be prepared.
Consider keeping the following "Emergency Supplies" on hand:
Flashlights with extra fresh batteries
Battery operated radio
First Aid kit
Emergency food and water
Non-electric can opener
Essential medicines (multiple day supply)
Cash and credit cards
Secure your residence by closing all windows, curtains, and blinds.
Secure all outdoor furnishings or bring them inside. If you have a balcony or a patio, please bring items, such as cushions, light furniture, light flower pots, bird feeders, etc., inside or secure items so that heavy winds would not give them flight. Call Building Services (extension 3579) if you need assistance.
In the event of lightning, do not use the shower/tub or land-based telephone (cell phones are safe to use.)
If there is a possibility power or public utilities will be disrupted: Turn your refrigerator to the coldest setting and leave the doors closed. Fill tubs, sinks, and large containers with water for sanitary needs.
If you live in Woods Edge, please identify your red outlet(s) that work during a power outage so you will have a power source. Let Resident Life and Wellness (extension 3515) know in advance if you need an extension cord.
Without power cordless phones will not work so Westminster Canterbury provided every residence with a corded telephone. It is strongly recommended that every resident leave their WC supplied telephone plugged in at all times.
If storm conditions warrant, take refuge in a small interior room or hallway or lie on the floor under a table or other sturdy object. Stay away from windows and glass doors. Westminster Canterbury has emergency plans in place, and employees are trained to respond to emergencies. Unless conditions are unsafe, we encourage residents to remain in their apartments and listen to the public address system, WC-TV 970 or to check the bulletin board in the main lobby for information.
If you feel uncomfortable remaining in your apartment, you are encouraged to congregate in public areas such as hallways and away from the windows.
It is important to remember that normally Westminster Canterbury will not evacuate unless instructed to do so by the local authorities. If that were the case, all residents will be accounted for and then moved to a safe and secure location within the community.
Emergency Numbers:
Reception Desk: Ext. 3563
Clinic: Ext. 3540
Reminder:
If you leave campus, please let the Reception Desk know.
More in-depth Emergency Operations information is available in the Resident Handbook