Natural Disasters

Natural disasters occur with little or no warning.

Fortunately, Ryerson’s location in downtown Toronto means we can be easily reached by all emergency services.

Earthquakes

• Stay indoors, if already there. Emergency evacuations will be made when it is safe to do so
• Sit under sturdy furniture or against central inside walls
• Stay away from glass windows and doors
• Do not use elevators.Avoid using the telephone, unless you are in a life or death situation
• If you are outside, stay away from buildings, bridges, and utility wires
• Avoid running through or near buildings where there is danger of falling debris
• Buildings will be evacuated after the earthquake, after-shocks, and tremors have stopped. Do not re-enter any building unless you receive permission from Security and Emergency Services

Major Floods

Floods can usually be anticipated, unless they are a flash flood caused by torrential rainfall or caused by the bursting of a storage tank or water main.

Flash flood watch is a warning given whenever heavy rains are either occurring or expected, that may cause flooding in a particular area.

Flash flood warning is urgent and is given whenever there has been a dangerous rise in water level, caused by heavy rains, ice jam break-up, earthquake, or dam failure.

Response Procedure

Remain in a safe place in any flood, and follow instructions that will be given from time to time by Safety and Security.

Tornadoes

Tornadoes are violent local storms with winds of speeds that can reach in excess of 200 mph (320 km/hr). The individual tornado appears as a rotating, funnel-shaped cloud that extends toward the ground from the base of a thunder-cloud. It varies from grey to black in colour, and the spinning action gives off a sound similar to an airplane. These short-lived storms are the most violent of all atmospheric phenomena, and are the most destructive in small areas.

Tornado watches are issued when the conditions are right for tornadoes to develop.

Tornado warnings mean that a tornado has actually been sighted in the area, or is indicated by radar.

Response Procedure

Tornado Watch

• Listen to a radio or watch television (as available) for up-to-date weather service announcements
• Watch the sky, especially to the south and southwest. Tornadoes usually move from the west to the east

Tornado Warning

If you are outdoors:

• Get indoors, preferably in a substantial steel-frame, reinforced concrete building
• If you can’t get indoors, go to the nearest ditch, culvert or low-lying area, take cover, and lie flat

If you are indoors:

• Move to the basement
• Open doors on the sides of the building away from the approach of the tornado, but stay away from them to avoid flying debris
• Close doors on the sides of the building toward the approach of the tornado
• Stay away from windows to avoid being hit by broken glass

Hurricanes

The National Weather Service monitors the development of hurricanes and provides the following information:

Hurricane watches indicate that hurricanes are close and that everyone in the area covered in the watch should listen for further advisories and be ready to take precautionary action.

Hurricane warnings indicate that forecasters believe an area will be hit by a hurricane. Anyone in the area should take full precautions against the storm. Flooding and tornadoes created by the hurricane pose the greatest danger.

Response Procedure

Hurricane Watch

• Listen to the radio or watch television for weather advisories
• Be prepared to evacuate, upon the direction of Safety and Security or external emergency services

Post-Emergency Response

Response Procedures

• Gas leaks are likely; proceed with caution
• Do not use elevators
• Use the telephone only in cases of severe injury, fire, or other imminent danger
• When it is safe to do so, check co-workers for injury, offer first aid, and assist individuals with disabilities where necessary

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