Safety and Emergencies

At Western, your safety is our top priority. All Western Apartment properties are equipped with fire safety devices designed for early detection to help keep you safe.  

Our apartment buildings are equipped with a combination of smoke and heat detectors, with some units also featuring carbon monoxide alarms. In our townhouses, bluetooth-connected smoke alarms are installed on every floor—if one alarm is triggered, all alarms will sound. Carbon monoxide detectors are also located near sleeping areas and on the ground floor for added safety. 

It’s important to know that tampering with or disabling any fire safety device—including removing batteries—can result in immediate lease termination and/or legal action. If a device is malfunctioning (e.g., chirping), report it to the Rental Office immediately. 

Western’s Fire Safety team or a licensed contractor conducts annual testing of all alarms. Tenants will be notified in advance if entry is required. We also recommend testing your alarms monthly and practicing evacuation procedures with all household members. 

Explore the safety tips below and take time to familiarize yourself and those you live with, whether housemates, partners or family, with key emergency procedures.
 

Never leave candles or incense unattended, and store matches and lighters safely, out of reach of children. Keep flammable items away from heat sources such as stoves and heaters. Always ensure exits are clear and that you know at least two ways to exit your unit in case of an emergency. 

Electrical Safety 

• Place lamps on stable surfaces, away from curtains or other flammable materials.
• Allow proper ventilation around electronics.
• Unplug small appliances when not in use.
• Do not use damaged cords or overloaded outlets.
• Use extension cords temporarily—never run them under rugs or through doorways.
• Plug high-power appliances (e.g., space heaters, hair dryers) directly into wall outlets.
• Never use electrical items that have been exposed to liquid without proper inspection. 

Kitchen and Cooking Safety

• Never leave cooking unattended.
• Avoid deep frying. If using oil, heat slowly and never use water to extinguish a grease fire.
• Clean grease from stovetops and ovens regularly.
• Store used cooking oils in containers (available at the Rental Office) and dispose of them in the garbage.
• Turn pot handles inward to prevent accidental spills.
• If a fire starts in the oven or microwave, keep the door closed and turn off the appliance. Call 911 if needed. 

Safety Notes for Townhouse Tenants 

Due to the equipment located in basements, these areas are not intended for sleeping or daily living activities. The Technical Standard Safety Authority prohibits the placement of beds in rooms containing gas-powered equipment, such as hot water heaters and furnaces. Basements, with no escape route, should only be used for laundry and storage.    

Valuables stored in the basement should be kept above ground, for example, on raised crates or shelves, to avoid potential damage from leaks or ground water.  

In addition, a one-meter clearance must be maintained around basement equipment, including the electrical panel. During fire and electrical safety inspections, technicians require access to electrical panels and equipment. If technicians cannot complete their inspections due to lack of access or identify unsafe practices, tenants may be subject to fines under the Ontario Building Code or Ontario Fire Code. Tenants may also be charged for the service calls if work or inspections cannot be completed due to restricted access. 
 

Creating a safe environment for children is a shared responsibility: 

• Drive slowly—maximum speed across our community is 30 km/h.
• Supervise and drain wading pools immediately after use.
• Do not hang swings or ropes from trees.
• Personal play equipment must stay within your patio area.
• Trampolines are not permitted. 

Playgrounds and basketball courts are available for families but are unsupervised. Tenants are responsible for their children’s behaviour. Bullying or harassment may result in lease termination. If you or your family experience bullying or harassment, contact the Rental Office. For urgent concerns, call Campus Safety & Emergency Services at 519-661-3300 or email wscs@uwo.ca. 
 

Outdoor areas are meant for enjoyment, not storage (except bikes). Please help keep these shared spaces clean by following the guidelines below: 

Year-Round Reminders

• Barbecues are not allowed on balconies or inside apartments, as per Ontario Fire Code.
• If using a barbecue on the ground, it must be monitored. Propane tanks must be shut off and stored safely after use.
• Store items to allow access for Grounds and Snow Removal crews.
• Always pick up after pets, especially in shared areas. 

Winter Safety

• Do not run cords through windows or doors for outdoor lights.
• Use outdoor extension cords temporarily only, with one power bar per outlet.
• Keep windows closed and remove or seal air conditioners. 

For Townhouse Tenants

• Shovel snow from your door to the sidewalk.
• Apply salt or sand to prevent slips.
• Check furnace vents regularly to ensure they are not blocked.
• Turn off the outdoor water tap (located in the basement).
• Ensure basement windows are fully closed to prevent pipes from freezing. 

Summer Guidelines

• Do not attach clotheslines to fences or balconies.
• Use potted plants or garden boxes instead of planting directly in the ground.
• Avoid using bricks, rocks or edging that may interfere with lawn maintenance.
• Trampolines, large pools and tents are not permitted due to safety and bylaw restrictions.
• Wading pools must be supervised and stored away after use.
• Tents should be taken down after 2–3 nights. 
   

To ensure your safety, please keep your household occupancy, emergency contacts and phone numbers up to date with the Rental Office. This information is used only in emergencies and shared solely with emergency personnel (e.g., Police, Fire Services) when necessary. 

During a Fire or Fire Drill 
All residents must evacuate the building. The Fire Safety Team, Campus Safety & Emergency Services and City Fire Services will respond. If evacuation is not required during a test, notices will be posted at building entrances in advance. 

If you require assistance during an evacuation, please inform the Rental Office so this can be noted in your occupancy record. 

What to Do When You Hear an Alarm 

• Stay calm.
• Safely stop any work and shut down equipment if needed.
• Take your coat or personal items only if it’s safe.
• Close your door (do not lock it).
• Use the nearest safe exit—always know two ways out.
• Do not use elevators.
• Go directly to your designated assembly area.
• Do not block driveways, fire routes, or emergency access points.
• Wait for instructions from emergency personnel before re-entering the building. 

Designated Evacuation Assembly Areas

• Bayfield Hall: Basketball courts
• Beaver Hall: Bayfield grass area (near fire route circle)
• Ausable Hall: North and south parking lots
• Platt’s Lane Estates: Closest parking lot to your unit 

Download Tenant Handbook