About EMCO
Emergency Management and Continuity of Operations (EMCO) is a unit within Carleton University’s Department of Risk Management that supports the university and campus community in preparing for, responding to, recovering from, and mitigating the impacts of emergencies, critical incidents, and business disruptions.
About EMCO
EMCO works collaboratively with the department’s other service areas, including Risk & Insurance, Campus Safety Services (CSS), and Environmental Health & Safety (EHS), to strengthen the university’s resilience and support a safe, secure, and sustainable campus environment.
Originally established through an initiative to enhance Carleton’s emergency management capabilities, EMCO has evolved into a comprehensive program focused on organizational resilience and operational continuity. Today, EMCO leads the university’s efforts in emergency management, business continuity, fire protection, and preparedness planning.
Core Areas of Responsibility
EMCO’s core areas of responsibility include:
- Emergency Management
- Business Continuity Planning
- Fire Protection and Life Safety
- Training, Exercises, and Emergency Preparedness
- Situational Awareness and Incident Coordination
- Resilience and Recovery Planning
Fire Protection and Life Safety
EMCO’s Fire Protection and Life Safety portfolio coordinates the management and compliance verification of campus fire protection systems and supports fire prevention through procedures, inspections, and training. The portfolio also oversees the training and administration of the Carleton Emergency Response Team (CERT), which supports the university during emergencies and critical incidents.
Training and Professional Development
EMCO delivers a range of training programs, workshops, and exercises to enhance emergency preparedness, business continuity, and incident management capabilities across the university. Offerings include emergency preparedness, situational awareness, fire and life safety training, active attacker training, tabletop and functional exercises, and specialized emergency response training for members of the Carleton Emergency Response Team (CERT). These programs help equip students, faculty, staff, and university partners with the knowledge and skills required to effectively prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies and disruptions.