Severe Weather Emergencies
Know the location of the nearest emergency shelter for your facility. Check with your building captain or check building posting for the location of emergency shelters.
Severe Weather: Thunderstorms
Watch: Conditions are right for a severe thunderstorm. Continue with normal activities, but continue to monitor the situation.
Warning: Severe thunderstorms are occurring. Be prepared to move to shelter if threatening weather approaches. Remain indoors and away from windows until the severe storm passes. If large hail begins to fall, seek immediate shelter. Report any injuries or damage by Calling 911. Be prepared to give the following information:
- Your name
- Building Name
- Type of injury or damage
- The location of injured person(s) or building damage
- Room number you are calling from
Severe Weather: Tornado
Being prepared and knowing what to do in case of a tornado is very important. It is suggested that everyone on campus take the time to familiarize themselves with the shelter areas available in each campus building.
Watch: Conditions are right for a tornado to develop. Continue with normal activities, but continue to monitor the situation.
Warning: Radar or weather spotters have identified a tornado. The emergency sirens will sound a steady tone for three minutes or longer if there is danger in the immediate area.
Take the following action in case of a TORNADO:
- SEEK IMMEDIATE SHELTER (Individuals with disabilities follow the same procedures) When the warning siren sounds, seek shelter, preferably in a basement or below ground evacuation location. A steel formed or reinforced concrete building will provide some protection.
- In a multi-story building, seek shelter in an interior hallway or a lower floor or basement.
- Stay away from outside walls, exterior doors, and glass windows or partitions. DO NOT open windows.
- Basements and interior hallways or rooms on lower floors offer good shelter.
- In vehicles, get out and seek shelter in a nearby well-built structure. Do not seek shelter in an underpass. If you cannot find a well-built structure nearby, seek out a ditch or ravine, which can offer some protection. Lay face down, with hands covering your head.
- After the all clear, leave badly damaged buildings if it is safe to do so. Elevators may not work in damaged buildings (the electrical power may be out or there may be damage to the elevator equipment).
- If you are surrounded by debris, be aware that removing some of it can cause other debris or part of the building to collapse. If it is not safe or possible to leave the area, stay there until assisted out.
- DO NOT attempt to return to the building unless directed to do so by emergency personnel.
- DO NOT attempt to turn on or off any utilities or other equipment.
- Report all injuries and damage to the Campus Safety by calling x9999.