Severe Weather Response

Loss of Utilities / Power Outage

Loss of utilities is only considered an emergency if:

• There is an impact to health, safety, and hygiene such as complete loss of heat in the winter, or
• The loss of utilities may result in damage to the building or the environment. 

During this time, Facilities – Maintenance & Operations will do everything possible in collaboration with the utility companies to repair the problem. The Executive Team will determine the need to temporarily cancel classes and close the Campus based on the impacts of the utility loss.

Review your NWP email, go to the NWP website or listen to local radio stations for notifications from the College about the loss of utilities status.

Tornadic Activity

Tornado Watch

A Tornado Watch means that conditions are favourable for tornado formation. A Tornado Watch alert is normally received from the local weather service, television, radio or emergency services agencies in the area.

1. If you hear that a Tornado Watch has been issued, contact Security or Facilities – Maintenance & Operations.
2. Facilities – Maintenance and Operations will:
   • Communicate Tornado Watch information to affected NWP area, and
   • Monitor weather advisory information (radio, television or through local emergency services agencies) until the Watch has ended.
3. Continue normal activities but remain alert to changing weather conditions.
4. An ‘All Clear’ will be declared when the Watch has ended.

Tornado Warning

A Tornado Warning means that a tornado has been sighted or indicated on the weather service agency’s radar. The approximate location of the sighting and the direction of travel of the tornado are normally provided.

1. If you hear that a Tornado Warning has been issued, contact Security or Facilities – Maintenance & Operations.
2. Facilities – Maintenance and Operations will communicate Tornado Warning information to affected NWP area.
3. When notified of a tornado warning, immediately proceed to:
   • Interior hallways and rooms without exterior walls on the lowest floor,
   • AVOID gym, exterior rooms, theatre or any room with a wide free span roof or windows,
   • Assume a kneeling position and cover back of neck and head with hands or coat to protect eyes and head. Face away from areas of greatest danger of flying glass.
4. An ‘All Clear’ will be declared when the Warning has ended

Icy Conditions / Sleet

Slow down. Drive with extreme caution.

Slow down even further for bridge overpasses, sharp corners and intersections where ice tends to accummulate. If roads are covered in sleet, do not drive until road conditions have improved. 

Slow down. Walk with both feet close to the ground, in a shuffle.

De-ice walkways and driveways. Tell Facilities – Maintenance & Operations about any new conditions that require gravelling or de-icing while on campus. 

Severe Snowstorms

When snow storms create little to no visibility and are not meant to be out in, delay travel. If absolutely no recourse but to be out in a storm, let someone close to you know when and where you are going and when you have arrived. 

When driving take a few extra items of clothing, a few non perishable food items, shovel, de-icer, with you. Have emergency phone numbers with you and always have a working and charged communications device with you.

Severe Wind and Rain / Flooding / Hail

When any of these conditions occur use caution. Do not go outside unless absolutely necessary. Visibility may be extremely poor. Hail can cause damage and injury. Wind can cause tree branches to break and power lines to come down. Flooding can be extremely dangerous. The water may be deeper than guessed and the current may be very strong. Do not attempt to drive through a flooded area. Park the vehicle and call for help. Wait until conditions subside.