Staying Safe
At Carleton University, we take pride in our safe and welcoming community.
In case of emergency, call Campus Safety Services at (613) 520-4444 or dial 4444 from any on-campus phone (including your residence room phone).
Personal Safety
Residence is your home away from home. While you may feel at ease and comfortable in your new surroundings, you should still take measures to protect your safety.
Regular patrols of campus are conducted by Campus Safety Services to make sure the community is safe.
Visit the Campus Safety Services website for more information about staying safe.
Personal Safety Tips
- Report suspicious people or activities to Campus Safety Services. If it makes you feel uncomfortable or gives you an uneasy feeling, chances are something’s not right!
- Keep your door locked, even when you are in your room. Think of your room door as the front door to a house.
- Do not share your keys, access cards or Campus Card with others.
- Never open building doors or let people into your residence building if you do not know them. If someone you do not know tells you that they have forgotten their card to get onto the floor, remind them the Residence Desk staff handles lockouts.
- Never leave your personal belongings unattended. If you are studying in the TV or study lounge and need to leave, bring your laptop or textbooks with you.
- Leave your bags in your room when heading to the caf. The storage cubbies at the caf are not secure.
- Stick to the safe paths when walking after dark. These paths are marked by yellow poles and provide additional lighting and an emergency push button.
- Try to walk with others, particularly after dark, both outside and in the tunnels.
- Contact Foot Patrol if you are walking on campus after dark and would prefer not to walk alone.
Fire Safety
The Emergency Management team has fire safety tips and procedures online. It’s a good idea to review these procedures to be prepared.
Help keep residence safe!
- Ensure the hallways are free from obstructions (i.e., bicycles, boxes, furniture). This allows easy travel and prevents delays or injuries during an emergency.
- Keep all doors closed. They are designed to stop or delay the spread of smoke, toxic gases and fire. Your escape route could be blocked by fire or smoke if these doors are propped open.
- Ensure all trash and recyclable materials are placed in the appropriate containers. They can catch fire easily and emit toxic smoke.
- If you notice any missing exit signs, notify staff.
- Use only Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) approved power bars and do not overload outlets or power bars.
- Do not staple/nail or run cords under carpet or rugs.
- Ensure paper and other flammable materials do not accumulate next to outlets/power bars or heat sources (i.e., next to printers or kettles).
- Unplug electrical equipment such as irons, curling irons and kettles when they are not in use. Never leave them unattended and do no store them until they are cooled. Keep them away from bed linens.
- Cooking appliances are only permitted in kitchen prep areas of suite style residences.
- Candles or incense are not permitted.
- Smoking is not permitted.