Emergency
Information
Severe Weather Tips
Severe Thunderstorm Watch
BEFORE
- A thunderstorm watch means that weather conditions are favorable for the formation of a thunderstorm
- Stay alert for changing weather conditions and be prepared to take action
- If available, listen to the TV or radio for details
BEGINNING OR DURING
- Move inside a building
- Stay away from windows
- Stay calm
- Do not use a landline telephone
- If available, listen to a radio or TV for updates
AFTER
- Listen for the "all clear" signal that the threat is over.
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
BEFORE
- A severe thunderstorm can have severe lightning and damaging hail
- Stay alert for changing weather conditions and be prepared to take action
- If available, listen to the TV or radio for details
BEGINNING OR DURING
- Move inside a building
- Do not go outside until the warning has expired
- Stay away from windows
- Stay calm
- Do not use a landline telephone
- If available, listen to a radio or TV for updates
AFTER
Tornado Watch
BEFORE
- A tornado watch means that weather conditions are favorable for the formation of a tornado
- Stay alert for changing weather conditions and be prepared to take action
- If available, listen to the TV or radio for details
BEGINNING OR DURING
- Move inside a building
- Stay away from windows
- Stay calm
- Do not use the telephone
- If available, listen to a radio or TV for updates
AFTER
- Listen for the "all clear" signal that the threat is over.
Tornado Warning
BEFORE
- During the spring season, tornado sirens are tested each Wednesday at noon. The tests last for thirty seconds. In the event that the siren sounds on a Wednesday morning for longer than thirty seconds, you should initiate tornado protection procedures.
- A tornado warning means that a tornado has actually been sighted by spotters or indicated on radar and is occurring or imminent in the warning area.
- Sirens will be activated if a tornado has actually been sighted in surrounding area.
- When given instructions to go to a designated tornado safety area, clear the classrooms, and direct individuals to a shelter area.
- Keep hallways clear by standing against the wall. When a tornado approaches, all individuals should assume kneeling position facing the wall with heads bent down.
- Building personnel should listen for the emergency siren. Radios should be monitored in administrative offices.
- Laboratories should be secured. Shut off gas burners or other laboratory equipment which could cause additional health and safety concerns.
- Have portable radio and flashlight and other emergency supplies.
BEGINNING OR DURING
- When given instructions to go to a designated tornado safety area, clear the classrooms, and direct individuals to a shelter area.
- Consider an immediate plan of action.
- Keep hallways clear by standing against the wall. When a tornado approaches, all individuals should assume kneeling position facing the wall with heads bent down.
- The following areas should be considered "off limits" during
a tornado evacuation:
Near outside doors, Any location on the upper floors of buildings, Any outside area, Near windows - Stay calm.
- Stay in the designated area in the building.
- Do not leave the shelter area until the "all clear" has been given.
AFTER
- If buildings are damaged, stay out of the disaster area.
- Do NOT use telephones except in life-threatening emergencies.
- Listen for the "all clear" signal that the threat is over.