Weather Siren

Testing the system

When: The first Wednesday of every month from March to October at 12:00 p.m. (noon).
What: Campus Safety & Emergency Services conducts a live test of Western’s emergency weather siren.
Note: This is only a test unless otherwise notified. No action is required.

What to do in an emergency

If you hear the emergency weather siren or receive an Alert WesternU message, follow these safety guidelines:

If you are in the open:

• Attempt to reach a protective area, such as a sturdy building with a basement.
• If there is not time to escape to a suitable protective area, lie flat and face-down on low ground, protecting the back of your head with your arms.
• Get as far away from trees and cars as you can; they may be blown onto you in a tornado. Avoid areas subject to rapid water accumulation or flooding in heavy rains.

If you are in a class/office:

• Proceed to a lower level hallway or basement of the building.
• Stay away from windows, doors and exterior walls.
• Flying glass and debris is extremely dangerous. Put as many walls between you and the outside as possible.

Campus protective areas:

Protective areas from a tornado may be sought in buildings of substantial masonry construction; most University facilities have spaces that may be used as protective areas. These protective areas can usually be found in interior spaces or hallways away from exterior walls and windows.   

The lowest level of the building should be used, avoiding spaces with windows; close any doors between your refuge area and adjacent windowed areas to limit flying debris.  

Buildings of frame construction and those with broad, flat roofs or large open interior spaces (such as auditoriums, cafeterias, or gymnasiums) should not be used or considered as protective areas. Once the siren sounds, if it is too late to proceed to a remote protective area, seek protection in adjacent service space where you are (such as corridors, underground tunnels, or showers) which are reasonably safe.  

After the tornado: 

• Carefully render aid to anyone who is injured.  
• Stay away from power lines and puddles with wires in them; they may still be carrying electricity!
• Watch your step to avoid broken glass, nails, and other sharp objects. 
• Stay out of any heavily damaged houses or buildings; they could collapse at any time. Do not use matches or lighters, in case of leaking natural gas pipes or fuel tanks nearby.  
• Remain calm and alert, and listen for information and instructions from local radio, emergency crews, and local officials. Western's siren will announce all clear when the storm has passed.   

Tornado facts and monitoring

Ontario averages 13 tornadoes per season. Most tornadoes occur in June, July and August and they frequently develop in mid-afternoon to early evening.  Remember severe thunderstorms can produce tornadoes.  

Campus Safety & Emergency Services tracks weather conditions through Environment Canada alerts. If a tornado warning is issued for the area, the siren will be activated.

Stay informed

Campus conditions and any operational impacts will be communicated on social media accounts Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. 

Alert WesternU will also be used to communicate this information. The campus community is encouraged to customize their accounts to receive text messages.