What to do in an emergency

In an emergency, knowing what to do can save lives. Follow these procedures to stay safe during an emergency at 395 Wellington Street in Ottawa.

On this page

• Evacuation
• Shelter-in-place
• Lockdown
• If you need assistance

Evacuation

• If you hear an alarm, evacuate the building immediately.
• You may encounter alarmed doors during evacuation and opening them may trigger intrusion alarms. This is normal — ignore the alarms and continue moving towards safety.
• Avoid the grand central staircase.
  • Follow emergency exit signs to the nearest emergency evacuation stairwell (there are seven: A–G).
• Once outside, head to one of the assembly areas:
  • East assembly area: Head towards the Supreme Court of Canada yard
  • West assembly area: Head towards the Portage Bridge
• Wait for further instructions from emergency personnel or first responders.

Evacuation routes for 395 Wellington Street in Ottawa

Evacuation routes for 395 Wellington Street in Ottawa - Text version

The image shows an overhead view of the Library and Archives Canada branch located at 395 Wellington Street in Ottawa, with arrows indicating seven emergency exits.

West-side routes guide individuals to exit along Wellington Street towards an assembly area near the Portage Bridge. East-side routes direct occupants westward along Wellington Street to an assembly area outside the Supreme Court of Canada.

This diagram clearly illustrates the designated evacuation routes that building occupants should follow in the event of an emergency requiring evacuation of the building at 395 Wellington Street in Ottawa.

Shelter-in-place

A shelter-in-place procedure is used when there is a danger outside a building, and occupants must stay inside for their safety. Perimeter doors are locked to keep occupants safe inside.

When advised that shelter-in-place is in effect:

• Move away from exterior doors and windows (LAC employees may direct clients to interior/central spaces).
• Wait for further instructions from emergency personnel or first responders.
• Do not evacuate or circulate throughout the building unless specifically permitted to do so.

Lockdown

A lockdown is used when there is an immediate threat to safety inside the building, such as an active shooter, terrorist activity, or a dangerous individual on the premises.

When notified of a lockdown:

• Run: If you are near an exit and determine it is safe, run and exit the building immediately.
• Hide: If you cannot safely exit the building, go to the nearest secure location. Lock or barricade any doors and hide.
• Defend: As a last resort, if confronted directly by an armed intruder, use any actions necessary to defend yourself.

If you need assistance

If you may need help during an emergency, let us know. Inform the commissionaires at the front desk every time you enter the building.

If you need help during an emergency, red emergency phones are available in the elevator lobby and throughout the building. Break the glass, use the red phone to contact security personnel and advise them of your location.