Emergencies can happen anytime and may include fire, chemical spills, gas leaks, medical emergencies, bomb threats, or physical threats. UNSW has established procedures to respond to these situations effectively.

Emergency actions – videos

Watch these videos to learn how to safely respond to an emergency at UNSW:

The Security Operations team at UNSW is responsible for rapid response when emergencies are reported by staff, students, or visitors. You can initiate a rapid response by:

  • Reporting through the SafeZone app  
  • Calling the emergency line: 9385 6666
  • Using a Help Point located across campus
  • Using any lift phone
  • Activating a duress button (where available)
  • Alarm notifications, e.g., fire alarms

Responses are managed from the Security Operations Control Room and overseen by our Emergency Response Teams.

Our Emergency Response Teams include volunteer Emergency Control Organisations (ECO), Security Operations, and the Emergency Management Team.

  • ECO (Wardens) and Security Operations: These teams ensure that life safety is prioritized over asset protection and provide the initial response to emergencies.
  • Emergency Management Team: This team maintains response plans, conducts training and exercises, and coordinates resources during incidents, ensuring escalation to relevant stakeholders as needed.

Note: Our emergency arrangements are currently being updated. Further details will be provided soon.

Our building ECO teams consist of volunteer staff who help keep our campus community safe. These volunteers play a crucial role in ensuring a consistent and effective response to building emergencies.

Roles within the ECO include Chief Warden, Deputy Warden, Area Wardens, Floor Wardens, and First Aiders. Contributing to the safety of others is highly rewarding. If you're interested in joining the ECO, where you’ll receive life safety training and participate in campus emergency exercises, contact emergency@unsw.edu.au Plus, you'll get a fluro uniform!

All staff and students are automatically registered to receive SMS alerts during emergency situations. There will be an annual test of the system for quality assurance. If you wish to opt out, log in to myUNSW, go to your profile, and select the option to opt out under the 'Phone' section.

Familiarising yourself with UNSW's emergency procedures is important. You can view the UNSW's current procedures here:

To order posters for your area, please email UNSW Emergency.