Holiday Break Safety Precautions

As we prepare to depart for the holiday break, staff and faculty members are kindly asked to follow these safety precautions to help keep the university safe and secure. A checklist is available to those who would like to use it.

Close and Lock All Windows and Doors
With colder than normal weather this December, please remember to firmly close all exterior-facing windows and doors to prevent damage due to cold. Windows and doors left open during the winter season can expose interior spaces to the elements and damage building property. While this is crucial throughout winter, it will be especially important during the holiday closure when interior spaces are monitored less.

Additionally, while Campus Safety officers will monitor buildings during the closure, please help keep our campus safe from theft by locking all interior and exterior doors.

Unplug all Appliances, Including Space Heaters
Unplugging appliances, including space heaters, during the campus holiday closure is essential to help mitigate fire risk. Electrical devices left plugged in can pose a hazard if faulty wiring or unexpected power surges occur, especially when spaces are unoccupied and incidents may go unnoticed. By ensuring all appliances are disconnected, we reduce the likelihood of accidental fires and help protect both property and personal safety during the break.

Shut Down Your PC
Ahead of the holiday closure, please remember that leaving your computer powered on and unattended can create an opportunity for threat actors to access it. Please shut down your university-provided computer before the end of your final workday before the closure. 

Additionally leaving your out-of-office message on for external senders could make you a target for cyberattacks. Consider enabling your out-of-office for internal senders only.

Remove Food Items
Please ensure all open and/or perishable food items are removed from university premises to prevent unwanted odours and to deter pests from accessing them.

Arrange Building Access in Advance
As a reminder, all campus buildings will be locked during the holiday closure period. Authorized students, faculty and staff may gain access using their Campus Card at card readers in buildings equipped with that technology.

Faculty and staff are responsible for arranging any required access prior to the holiday closure by contacting your Department Chair and/or Department Administrator.

Campus Safety Services (CSS) within the Department of Risk Management will provide access to buildings on an emergency basis only. The CSS Communication Centre can be reached at 613-520-4444 in emergencies, and 613-520-3612 for general enquiries.

Holiday Break Preparation Checklist
A checklist is available if you would like to print it and follow your progress while you prepare for the break.

Thank you for your cooperation. Wishing you a very happy holiday.