SEVERE WEATHER GUIDELINES

The tornado season is upon us again. Tornadoes can occur at any time of year, but are most likely to occur in March, April and May. Knowing what to do and where to go in an emergency situation on campus could save your life or the lives of your students.

In order to keep abreast of severe weather conditions, a weather alert radio is located in the Division of Natural Science and Mathematics. In addition, during periods of severe weather, the message boards on campus can be tuned to the weather channel.

A TORNADO WATCH means that weather conditions are favorable for tornado formation. This does NOT mean that a tornado has been spotted. During a tornado watch, normal campus activity should continue, but everyone on campus should be ready to move to designated shelter areas should conditions warrant.

A TORNADO WARNING means that a tornado has actually been sighted in the area. Should a tornado warning be issued by the Weather Service, everyone on campus will be notified and should move immediately to one of the locations suggested below. Offices should be locked and outside doors should be left open.

During periods of severe weather watches, you will also receive an alert upon such threatening conditions as dark rolling clouds, hail, driving rain, or a sudden change in wind direction or velocity. Upon receipt of such an alert follow the directions below for the building you are in:

ACADEMIC BUILDING

Those in the academic building should move to the area occupied by the GREDC (the old library) and stay away from the windows. The safest place in this area is to the rear in the former stack area, now occupied by the East Georgia Health Cooperative.

STUDENT CENTER

If one is in the student center and does not feel that it is safe to move to another location, the safest place is the kitchen area or one of the inner offices. Do not remain in the game room or the Richard L. Brown Room. These rooms contain large expanses of glass, which could be deadly.

GYMNASIUM

If you are in the gymnasium or the fitness center, move to the inner hallway of the older part of the building, the locker rooms, or the restrooms. Do not remain in the lobby or the gymnasium or the fitness center.

GEORGE L. SMITH BUILDING (Administration Building)

Those who cannot leave the Administration Building should move to the lavatory area of the building, or the inner hallway. Avoid the area of the glass doors.

LUCK GAMBRELL CENTER

If you are in the Luck Gambrell Center, you should move to one of the following areas: classrooms 531 (computer lab), or 528 (GSAMS room), the storage area of the library, or the file room that adjoins the office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs. In addition, the restrooms are also places of safety.

The important thing is to move away from areas that have large expanses of windows, since these could become deadly missiles in the event of a tornado. Also, if you are in small inner room such as the restrooms or filing rooms, there will be more wall support around you. Everyone should remain in a safe area until the all clear is given.

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