17 December 2018

Transition to New SFU Security Contractor

The university is dedicated to providing leading contract security services to help ensure the safety of the campus community. As such, Campus Public Safety is pleased to announce that on January 1^st, SFU will be transitioning to a new frontline security services contractor, GardaWorld.

Contractor Selection Process
After working with contractor Paladin Security (formerly known as Concord) for since 2011, SFU underwent a routine RFP process in the spring of 2018.  This rigorous selection process which spanned nearly eight months incorporated extensive campus stakeholder engagement and saw broad interest from vendors. In November of 2018 the contract was successfully awarded to GardaWorld. GardaWorld is experienced in providing campus public safety services to post-secondary institutions nationally making them an ideal partner.

Services
SFU Campus Public Safety and the GardaWorld security services will continue to support our community during our everyday activities and in cases of emergencies. As in the past, the security services provided by GardaWorld will support all three SFU campuses. Starting January 1^st, you will see new branding and uniforms. Additionally, as part of our commitment to contract workers attached to SFU, GardaWorld is in the process of interviewing all current Paladin employees who wish to stay at the university.

Enhances Services & Specialized Training
With this transition, the campus community can expect enhanced security services. All guards assigned to SFU will be receiving specialized 80-hour pre-deployment training that is being designed in consultation with SRS, Health & Counselling Services, and the Sexual Violence Support & Prevention Office among other stakeholders.  The aim is to provide targeted education around sexual violence and mental health prior to the January transition. Training in additional specialized areas relevant to our community will continue into the new year.  GardaWorld is also bring new technology and workplace processes to better enhance customer service, safety and security.

Campus Public Safety looks forward to the new relationship with GardaWorld, and are excited by the possibilities this partnership will bring to enhance community safety at SFU.

20 August 2018

Air Quality Advisory Information

Metro Vancouver has issued an Air Quality Advisory for Metro Vancouver because of high concentrations of fine particulate matter, due to smoke from wildfires outside our region. Persons with chronic underlying medical conditions should postpone strenuous exercise and follow the advice of their healthcare providers. This advisory is expected to continue until there is a change in the current weather.

While on campus, follow these tips:

• Keep windows closed to minimize the entry of particulate matter into buildings. 
• Take frequent breaks and drink plenty of water to combat the heat.
• Minimize time spent outdoors.
• Continue to manage medical conditions such as asthma, chronic respiratory disease and heart failure. If symptoms continue to be bothersome, seek medical attention.

Note that where possible, Facilities Services has shut down building air intakes to minimize the amount of outdoor air entering buildings. 

14 June 2018

June 26th Emergency Preparedness Exercise

On Tuesday, June 26^th, SFU Safety & Risk Services will be holding an emergency preparedness exercise. As safety is our top priority and commitment, exercises like this are essential for the University to practice emergency response and recovery procedures. This specific exercise will be based on a mock wildfire scenario on Burnaby Mountain and will be used to test our response measures to environmental hazards. There will be limited visibility of the exercise on campus and it will not be impacting University operations.

GET PREPARED
Please take a moment to familiarize yourself with the following procedures:

• Shelter in Place
• Mass Evacuation – Burnaby campus

As well, familiarize yourself with SFU crisis communication channels, and download the SFU snap app to receive emergency push-notifications on your mobile device here: www.sfu.ca/sfualerts.

4 June 2018

SFU Community Safety Update

Message from SFU’s Chief Safety Officer

Last week, members of the SFU community reported a suspicious person on campus. As soon as those concerns were reported, our Campus Public Safety team took immediate action. Campus Public Safety staff located the individual in question, provided them with a trespass notice and escorted them off campus.

We are now liaising with the RCMP and other stakeholders to ensure they are aware of the incident.

We want to thank student community members for flagging their concerns around this individual and want to encourage all students to report any suspicious behavior they witness or experience immediately to Campus Security or the RCMP.

We also want to remind university community members that there are a number of resources available to students who have concerns around safety on the SFU campus. These include the Safe Walk program and our new sexual violence support and prevention office – we’re encouraging any students who need support to reach out to these resources.

Harassment of any type is not acceptable and SFU is deeply committed to providing members of the university community with a safe, supportive and respectful environment in which to live, learn and work.

Thank you for your ongoing vigilance and support.

Mark LaLonde
SFU Chief Safety Officer

3 April 2018

Enhanced Crisis Communications Channels – Download SFU snap

SFU has recently enhanced its crisis communications channels.  As safety across the university community is our number one priority, please familiarize yourself with the channels below that may be used for emergency notifications or ongoing crisis communications.

CHANNELS FOR LATEST UPDATES

Remember that in an emergency the SFU Website (www.sfu.ca) and SFU Twitter page (@SFU) serve as the primary channels for the latest information and updates.

PUSH-NOTIFICATIONS

In place of voice and SMS notifications used historically, SFU is now offering push notifications available through:

• Alertus – Installed on all SFU managed computers to allow for urgent pop-up alerts
• The SFU snap app – Available for download to receive push notifications on mobile devices

DOWNLOAD SFU SNAP

Download SFU snap to your mobile device:

• Download on the Apple App Store
• Download on Google Play

Then ensure that push notifications are enabled in your phone settings:

• iPhone: Settings > SFU snap > Notifications > toggle on "Allow Notifications".
• Android: Settings > Apps > SFU snap > toggle off "Block", toggle on "Priority".

OTHER CRISIS COMMUNICATIONS CHANNELS

In addition to these channels, please familiarize yourself with the full list of SFU emergency communication channels at: https://www.sfu.ca/sfualerts.html
Thank you for your attention to these important changes.

Mark LaLonde

Chief Safety Officer, Safety & Risk Services
Simon Fraser University

21 December 2017

Holiday Closure - Crime Prevention & Personal Security

As we enter the holiday season, please take a few moments to familiarize yourself with some crime prevention and personal security reminders to help ensure your work area is a less attractive target. Take simple precautions such as:

1. Lock all office doors. 
2. Secure all windows and close blinds/curtains, especially where valuable equipment could be visible from outside. 
3. Turn off office lights and electronic equipment. 
4. Secure all portable items (eg. laptops, cash boxes) in locked cabinets, drawers and rooms. 
5. Take home or lock up any valuable personal items. 
6. Ensure office and cabinet keys are properly secured. 
7. Protect your valuables. Homes, cars, and offices all become lucrative targets for thieves at this time of year. This is also a time to be especially cautious while using ATM cash machines.
8. If you will be working on campus over the holidays, please consider your personal safety. Traveling in inclement weather and working in isolation are among the challenges faced during this time of year. Some roads and walkways may not be cleared of snow or ice, so please take care when travelling by any mode of transportation. When working alone on campus, call Campus Security and let them know what area you are working in and how long you anticipate being on site. This "Lone Worker" program operates throughout the year as well. 
9. Make sure that you check the Road Report page before you head to campus. 
10. If you notice any suspicious activity or individuals on campus, please contact Campus Security.

Campus Security is on duty 24 hours a day throughout the holiday season, and they are ready to assist you with your personal safety and security needs. 

On behalf of Chief Safety Officer Mark LaLonde, and from all of us at Safety & Risk Services, we wish you and yours a very happy and safe holiday season.

14 November 2017

RCMP Safety Advisory - Cyber Extortion Scheme

The Lower Mainland RCMP is warning the public about a cyber extortion scheme that has targeted Chinese nationals attending schools in the greater Vancouver area. The scheme involves tricking victims into believing their loved ones have been kidnapped. Read the release the lastest release on the BC RCMP website. If you have been a victim of this crime, please contact RCMP at 604-224-1322 or 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

If you are concerned about this advisory and need support from SFU, contact Campus Security. 

Read the latest Chinese translation of the RCMP release
Learn about how to identify frauds and scams from RCMP
Learn about campus resources available to you
RCMP Task Force to Investiage Kidnapping Scam

11 September 2017

Waste Disposal & Wildlife Safety

Burnaby campus is home to a variety of wildlife including black bears, raccoons, deer, coyotes, and cougars. Black bears in particular are attracted to garbage when it is disposed of improperly, causing safety concerns for people and bears alike.

Make sure you follow these tips to dispose of your trash securely: Wildlife & Waste Tips, City of Burnaby

For more safety tips, visit our Wildlife Safety page.

5 September 2017

Heat Wave Safety Tips for Students and Residents

With the current hot temperatures and air quality advisory in effect, follow these safety tips to reduce your personal health risk:

• Drink plenty of water
• Stay cool by taking frequent breaks from hot areas
• Seek out indoor spaces with air conditioning
• Avoid strenuous activity

If experiencing adverse health effects, student should seek medical attention at SFU Health & Counselling Services.