Appendix 1 This assignment involves a safety audit of an area in which many people live, congregate or simply pass through

on their way to somewhere else. This assignment does not require you to interview anyone; instead, you are to conduct a modified windshield survey, looking at the area and surrounding environment. 1. In groups of 2-3, visit an area within the Ryerson community. It can be the library, the courtyards or any of the buildings in the surrounding area. Outside the nursing lounge; the tables near the Jorgenson Hall elevators 2. On your visit, these are things you need to identify: What safety accommodations can you see that the site has in place? 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. Two fire hoses and extinguishers Fire escape plan Fire alarms Sprinklers No smoking signs Handicap/wheel chair accessible elevators Health promotion and security boards Multiple staircases for alternate exit routes

Are there any gaps in safety? What is missing? 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Non-accessible windows Non-accessible fire escape ladder Loose metal poles above lockers Exposed electrical wiring Minimal (2) electrical outlets that would require students to extend their cables across tables which can lead to tripping hazards 6. A vending machine that blocks payphones 7. Misplaced couches that prevent safe passage 8. Broken furniture 9. A loose air duct cover 10. Light fixtures are not protected 11. Some areas (i.e., hallways, locker areas) are not surrounded by sprinklers What else would you need to know (beyond your windshield survey) in order to develop a disaster plan? 1. The roles of authority figures

2. Emergency contact numbers 3. Population demographics 4. Working knowledge of emergency procedures a. Communication b. Meaning of sirens/bells If people needed to be evacuated, how easy would it be for people who have mobility challenges? For example, wheelchair bound persons, persons using crutches. It would be difficult for even if the elevators are wheelchair accessible, it is not known if these elevators would be operational during a disaster Stairs are in opposite ends of each flight People who have mobility challenges will have extreme difficulty if the elevators were not operational for the stairwell closest to the table area is very narrow It is the 4th floor of the Jorgenson hall There are 4 accessible stairs, but these doors are hindered by non-automated doors One-way opening doors, making it hard to access when in panic

How easy would it be for people to evacuate if they were? Low literacy? They have a properly displayed emergency plan that illustrates maps and pictures that can be easily understood

Deaf? Blind? The fire alarm has a siren Furniture hinders the route Not distinguishable emergency plans and exits The fire alarm has lights that can be seen There are signs to signify what floor theyre in

Mothers with young children in strollers? Similar as people with wheelchairs

What agencies would need to be involved in disaster response in this area? Patrolling campus security Local fire station

Health promotion office in the nearby room

What do you think would be the priority in a disaster plan that required people to be evacuated? Accommodating for the needs of people with mobility challenges, special needs and illnesses (ex. people with asthma, wheelchairs)

What factors in the surrounding environment would create a challenge for and/or facilitate implementing a disaster plan? Limited or no access for people with mobility challenges and special needs No holding area/space for people after evacuation Crowded people in a confined space, and limited exits Narrow escape routes

Where could people go if they needed to be evacuated? Where could a communication centre be established so that people could either have a safe place to go or where people could get information about what is happening in the area? Evacuation area o Gerrard street o Gould street o the courtyard between Kerrhall and Jorgenson/Pod building o Yonge street Communication centre o The Quad as the centre for communications o Working wi-fi and intercom centre to relay information to people in the vicinity o People stationed at the exits to direct people to safety o Keep the safety board and escape plans updated