MANY ISLANDS PIPE LINES (CANADA) LIMITED EMERGENCY PROCEDURES MANUAL Incident-Specific Response
2.5.6.8
Tornadoes
Warning signs include: • Severe thunderstorms, with frequent thunder and lightning. • An extremely dark sky, sometimes highlighted by green or yellow clouds. • High humidity and an almost still wind with low hanging clouds with ‘fingers’ of cloud extending downward and curling back upwards. • A rumbling or whistling sound. • A funnel cloud at the base of a thundercloud, often behind a curtain of heavy rain or hail. Environment and Climate Change Canada has a responsibility for warning the public when conditions exist that may produce tornadoes. It does this through radio, television, newspapers, its internet site as well as through its weather phone lines. What to do during a tornado If you are inside: • Take shelter in a small interior ground floor room such as a bathroom, closet or hallway. • Protect yourself by taking shelter under a heavy table or desk. • Stay away from windows, outside walls and doors. If you are in an office or multi-story building: • Take shelter in an inner hallway or room, ideally in the basement or on the ground floor. • Do not use the elevator. • Stay away from windows. • Stay out of large buildings with wide-span roofs which may collapse if a tornado hits. Find shelter elsewhere, preferably in a building with a strong foundation.
If no shelter is available:
• Lie down in a ditch away from vehicles or light portable trailers or mobile homes. • Beware of flooding from downpours and be prepared to move.
If you are driving:
• If you spot a tornado in the distance, drive to the nearest solid shelter. • If a tornado is close, get out of your vehicle and take cover in a low-lying area, such as a ditch.
In all cases:
• Get as close to the ground as possible, protect your head and watch for flying debris. • Do not chase tornadoes – they are unpredictable and can change course abruptly. • A tornado is deceptive. It may appear to be standing still but may actually be moving toward you.
Natural Disasters
January 2025
Section 2.5, Page 15
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