Staying safe at McGill starts with knowing who to call and where to go. Whether you’re on the downtown campus, at the Macdonald Campus, or on the Gault Nature Reserve, here’s a quick primer on the services that keep our community safe – and how to use them.
In an emergency: call 911 first, then Security
If you or someone near you needs ambulance, fire or police, call 911 first. As soon as possible afterward – or have someone nearby call while you are with 911 – contact McGill Security Services so they can guide first responders to the exact location:
- Downtown Campus: 514-398-3000 (emergency line)
- Macdonald Campus: 514-398-7777 (emergency line)
Emergency “blue-light” phones are at building entrances, in elevators and at select outdoor spots – press the red button to connect directly with Security. You can also make free calls to 911 from any payphone. Learn more
Help on the spot: first aid, escorts, and more
Security patrollers can respond with first aid and coordinate AED access. Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) are installed across all campuses and can be accessed directly; a full list of locations is posted here.
For non-urgent assistance – like reporting an incident or flagging hazards – call the campus number below or visit the service counter.
Downtown Campus
Burnside Hall, 805 Sherbrooke St. West, Room 120
Montréal, QC H3A 0B9
- General inquiries (non-emergency): 514-398-4556
- Email: campus.security [at] mcgill.ca
Macdonald Campus
Laird Hall, 21111 Lakeshore Road, Room 101
Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, QC H9X 3V9
- General inquiries (non-emergency): 514-398-7770
- Email: macdonald.security [at] mcgill.ca
Prefer a peer escort after dark? The Students’ Society of McGill University's WALKSAFE offers student-run safe walks within its service area and hours at 514-398-2498; when WALKSAFE is unavailable, you may contact McGill Security Services. Check WALKSAFE’s website for details.
Stay informed: sign up for emergency notifications
McGill’s Emergency Notification System (MRO “McGill Alert”) sends urgent texts and other alerts during time-sensitive situations. Students, faculty and staff can opt in to receive SMS alerts via Minerva (Personal Menu → Mobile Device); you’ll get a confirmation text to complete registration. Tests run twice a year. Learn more
Fire safety and evacuations: the basics
Know two exits from your classroom, lab or office, and your building’s assembly point. If an alarm sounds: leave immediately, don’t use elevators, close doors behind you and help others who need assistance. Fire Prevention can advise on evacuation planning and drills; the unit can be reached at fireprevention [at] mcgill.ca for general inquiries. Learn more
Lab and workplace safety
Working with chemicals, biosafety risks or other hazards? Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) offers training (WHMIS, biosafety, first aid and more). Learn more
For details on proper storage, labeling, and disposal of hazardous materials, see the hazardous waste disposal guidelines by Hazardous Waste Management (HWM).
Night routes and emergency phones
Before heading out after dark, review our night route maps and note where emergency phones are located along your path. Learn more
At the Gault Nature Reserve (Mont-Saint-Hilaire)
Outdoor settings come with different risks. Call 911 for emergencies, then inform Gault staff when possible (514-396-1958; info.gault [at] mcgill.ca). Visitors are expected to exercise caution, stay on marked trails, check hours and conditions, and carry a charged phone. Consult the Gault’s website for safety guidance before you go.
Quick contacts (save these)
- Security – Downtown emergencies: 514-398-3000 | Burnside Hall, Room 120
- Security – Macdonald emergencies: 514-398-7777 | Laird Hall, Room 101
- WALKSAFE (student safe-walks): 514-398-2498 walksafe.ssmu.ca
- Emergency Notification System (SMS opt-in): via Minerva (see steps here)
Why this matters
Safety at McGill is a shared effort – made simpler when you know the basics. Take two minutes now to add the numbers above to your phone, review your nearest exits, and, if you work in a lab, confirm you’ve got the right training. Small steps today can make a big difference when it counts.