Safety Tips

Bicycle Use

Working together makes our campus safer for everyone.

If you plan on using a bicycle as transportation while at the University, there are a few rules you should know, and some tips you should follow.

  • For your safety, wear a helmet and reflective outerwear.
  • Bicycles must only be parked in a bicycle rack. Do not park or fasten a bicycle against any post, sign, rail, tree, shrub, building or any other structure that is not a bicycle rack. It is subject to removal as it may interfere with regular grounds maintenance work (i.e. painting, grass cutting, clean up, or snow removal)
  • Bicycles fastened against handicap access ramp rails will have their locks cut and the bicycle will be removed.
  • Bicycles must be operated in a safe manner on campus. Obey traffic signs and the rules of the road. Please respect pedestrians - - they have the right of way at all times. A bicycle is a vehicle is governed by the Highway Traffic Act.
  • To prevent the theft of your bicycle you should fasten your bicycle securely using a good quality locking system. Security recommends a high quality "U" lock.
  • As an added precaution a secondary locking device should also be used. This added deterrence may save your bicycle from theft. 
  • Remove seats if you can.  Even a thief will want to sit down when they ride. 
  • We are creatures of habit. You will probably find you park your bicycle in the same location each day if you can. Get to know your fellow bicycle owner neighbours. Know what belongs to them and report any suspicious activity to Security right away.
  • If you are attending night classes, park your bicycle in a rack where lighting is good. 90 percent of all bicycle thefts occur in the hours of darkness.
  • Record your serial number and have it in a place you can access it in case of need. Adding a second unique identifying mark such as a student number aids in returning recovered bicycles to their proper owner. Use an etching tool to place an identifying number only you would know on several locations on your bicycle that are not readily visible. Thieves will attempt to remove identifying serial numbers. A secondary identification number may cause a stolen bicycle to be returned.
  • Remember that the security of your property is your responsibility. Lakehead University is not responsible for lost or stolen property. 
Fire Prevention

For fire safety information or inquires, contact the Fire Safety Officer at 343-8870

  • Keep Fire Doors Closed - Fire doors are found between stairwells and corridors. They are installed to contain fire and smoke from spreading throughout the building. Keeping them closed will give you time to exit safely during a fire. Blocking them open places other occupants at risk.
  • Know where Fire Extinguishers and Exits are Located - Check your immediate work area. Find out where the fire extinguishers are. Know where the fire alarm stations are located and how they work. Locate two exits from your area or floor. Find "landmarks" in the exit path, something that might aid in navigating during evacuation if the corridor is dark during an emergency.
  • Do Not Use Extension Cords - Extension cords are made of wiring too small and inadequate for most electrical equipment found in the workplace. If you require an outlet in an area where there are none, have one installed by contacting the Physical Plant.
  • Do Not Use Multiple Outlet Electrical Devices - Electrical circuitry is designed to carry a reasonable load, but operating several devices from one outlet can seriously overload the wiring causing it to overheat and start a fire. Use only one device per outlet. If electrical service is inadequate, call Physical Plant to correct the situation.
  • Always keep Flame and Electrical Appliances away from Combustible Material and Flammable Liquids - Open flame and electrical equipment account for the majority of fires in the workplace. Never allow electrical equipment to be operated near easily ignitable material or flammable liquids such as toners and cleaners.
  • Never Store quantities of Flammable Liquids - Keep flammable liquids in your work area to minimum. Always keep them tightly sealed and stored in cabinets away from any heat/ignition source. Even in a lab, you should only keep the absolute minimum necessary to accomplish the immediate task at hand. Never stockpile or allow flammable liquids to accumulate.
  • Keep all Material at Least 18" Below Fire Sprinklers - Fire sprinklers will not operate properly or extinguish fires if they are blocked. Sprinklers require at least 18" of space to disperse the water properly.
  • Check your Fire Extinguishers Often - Look at the gauges. Make sure they are fully charged and ready for use. If you do not know how to use them, or if you have never used a fire extinguisher, get trained in their operation. If fire extinguishers are not fully charged, or if the attached 'Green' tag indicates it has been more than a month since they were inspected, call the Fire Safety Officer at 343-8870
  • Never Block Emergency Equipment - Never place anything in front of fire alarm pull stations, fire extinguishers, fire hoses or exit signage. During an emergency this equipment may be needed to alert occupants of an emergency or to help extinguish a fire. Keep access to this equipment free of obstructions at all times.
  • Postings - Never post paper and other combustible materials in areas of egress. Egress meaning stairwells, hallways, doors, windows, etc. Posting should be on provided bulletin boards only. Any posting found in these areas will be taken down.
Campus Emergency Phone Locations

Emergency Phones are located at the following sites:

  • Avila Lot 17
  • Avila Pathway By Reaume Street
  • Bora Laskin Pathway
  • C. J. Sanders Fieldhouse - Hanger
  • C. J. Sanders Fieldhouse - Weight Room
  • C.J. Sanders Fieldhouse - Lot 1
  • CB - 1st floor opp. The Double Elevators
  • CB - 2nd floor opp. The Double Elevators
  • CB - 3rd floor opp. The Double Elevators
  • CB - 4th floor opp. The Double Elevators
  • CB - Basement opp. The Double Elevators
  • Cross Walk - Lot R 2
  • Foot Bridge
  • Kakabeka House - Phase 2
  • Keewatin House - Phase 1
  • Kenora House
  • Lake Tamblyn
  • Lot 10
  • Lot G 11
  • Lot R6
  • Over Pass
  • Sandy Lake House - Phase 3
Security Tips for Office Personnel
  • Keep your purse, wallet and other valuables in a secure location such as a locked desk or filing cabinet.
  • If you have to work at night, avoid working alone.
  • Use K.I.T. Notify Security that you are working late. Let them know the building and room number and if there is a phone in the room give them the extension number. You may also ask to have a guard stop by periodically and check on you as well.
  • Keep all outside doors locked. Walk with other employees to and from your car or ask Campus Security to escort you.
Vehicle Safety Tips
  • Park your car so you don't have to back up. Either back your vehicle into your parking spot or use a drive through spot.
  • If you are walking to your vehicle, have your car keys ready and in your hand so you are not standing by your vehicle searching for them.
  • Be aware of your surroundings. Look as you walk, listen for unusual noises, trust your sixth sense. If you feel something is wrong there is a chance SOMETHING IS WRONG. Use Safe Walk
  • When your vehicle is not occupied, always keep your windows rolled up and your doors locked. Don't leave a purse or other valuables in view; put them under the seat or locked in the trunk.
  • If being followed, don't drive home or leave the car. Drive to the nearest police station or fire station, store or service station.
  • Never pick up hitchhikers or accept rides with strangers.
Personal Safety at Home or in Residence
    • Never use your first name in the telephone directories or mailboxes and of course, avoid prefixes: Mrs., Miss, or Ms. List your first name initial only.
    • If you are female, have a male friend do your answering machine message.
    • After moving into a new home or apartment, it is a good idea to change the door locks. Every window that can be entered from the outside should have a good lock and be properly secured. Don't forget to check with your landlord first.
    • If someone wants to use your phone, no matter what the alleged emergency is, offer to make the call; but do not open the door.
    • Always keep windows secured and covered at night. Never reveal, either in person or to a telephone caller, that you are alone. Have two lights on in different locations of the house. This gives the impression of more than one person at home. To secure sliding doors, place a strong wooden broom handle or dowel in the lower track of the door.
    • In apartment buildings, be wary of deserted laundry rooms.
    • Do not buzz people into the building that you don't know. Tell them you will come down and check before you let them in. Call the superintendent or maintenance person if there is one.
    • In residence, always keep your door locked to prevent theft of personal items.