No matter what building your in, you are in danger of pathways being blocked throughout the university. The best way to prepare for an emergency at the university is to know your path. This means, learning where the stairwells are if you are in a multi-story building, and knowing how to get out of the building with various exits throughout the university. Maps are available in all buildings in poster form, familiarize yourself with these as you will need to know how to get out. Do not use lifts as they may pose serious risk in damage.

- Assembly point in an emergency in Kelburn is Kelburn Park near the cable car entrance.
- Assembly point in Pipitea is Bunny Street (including west wing and government house).
- Assembly point in Te Aro is Cobblestone Park.

The University has emergency supplies in numerous spots throughout the campuses, however they may be blocked off due to impassable pathways. You should always have a bottle of water and light snacks on you until you are able to get through to these supply cupboards. Make sure you also have a torch on you to light up any dark pathways or stairwells.

Supply cupboards can be found in:

Wellington poses a huge risk of Tsunami due to its proximity to the harbour. This map shows you the tsunami risk zones; those in low lying areas will need to evacuate. This can be seen with the low terrain light coloured areas including Island Bay, Lyall Bay, Miramar, Kilbirnie, Newtown, Te Aro and central Wellington. If there is a tsunami warning while you are studying at the Te Aro, Pipitea, Hospital or Island Bay campuses, make sure you know the route to higher land to save yourself from a Tsunami. If you are located at the Kelburn campus during a tsunami warning, this is considered a tsunami safe zone, so stay out and do not attempt to walk down toward central Wellington or other low lying areas that are at risk of tsunami.

If someone you care for is injured in a disaster, your knowledge of first aid will be invaluable. Many organisations provide first aid training courses, they even run first aid courses from time to time at Victoria University. Consider taking a first aid course, followed by regular refresher sessions. You can buy ready-made first aid kits or make up your own. Check all batteries every three months. Battery powered lighting is the safest and easiest. Do not use candles as they can tip over in earthquake aftershocks or in a gust of wind. Do not use kerosene lamps, which require a great deal of ventilation and are not designed for indoor use.