Monitoring: Public Safety will monitor the National Weather Service radio and other weather information outlets for notification of potential severe weather reports for the immediate area:
Tornado/Thunderstorm/Wind WATCH – indicates that atmospheric conditions are conducive for the development of the stated warning. Normal operations will continue. Employees should monitor weather conditions closely and be prepared to act without warning if necessary.
Tornado/Thunderstorm/Wind WARNING – indicates that the hazardous condition stated has been spotted or identified on radar. When these conditions immediately threaten the campus, the Public Safety will issue notification via Connect Ed, fax, posters, messages, text and telephone communications to the campus and/or utilize a Public Address System located within buildings and on police vehicles when necessary.
NOTE: Weather conditions can deteriorate rapidly, without warning; therefore, everyone should maintain a close watch on weather conditions via Internet, radio, and/or through personal observation. Individuals need to be prepared to act without notification when severe weather is experienced.
NOTE: In the event an employee feels that weather is immediately threatening they will initiate the following actions:
Take Cover – Instruct students, employees and others in the immediate area to move to the designated severe weather shelter areas*, time permitting, or find a wall near the interior of the building away from windows and exterior doors. Individuals will curl up in a ‘ball’ or fetal position near the wall, place their hands over their head and remain in the position until severe weather passes.
*The following symbol prominently displayed on doors will indicate Designated Severe Weather Rooms:
DO NOT LEAVE THE BUILDING OR INITIATE A BUILDING EVACUATION DURING THESE CIRCUMSTANCES. When severe weather strikes, power may be disrupted causing alarms to sound. If fire is not immediately present and a clear exit is maintained, everyone should remain until the weather passes.
- ACADEMIC BUILDING: Lower Level Student Clinic Area, Upper Level Restrooms, Social Science Conference Room
- STUDENT CENTER: Room 112, Meeting Room 3, Faculty/Staff Breakroom, Student Meeting Rooms 1 and 2, Restrooms, Vault, Mailroom, Admissions Conference Room
- GYMNASIUM: Locker Rooms, Restrooms, Inner hallway old wing
- GEORGE L. SMITH BUILDING: Inner hallway, Restrooms, Vault
- LUCK GAMBRELL CENTER: J-531, J528, Library Storage Area, Restrooms, VP Academic Affairs File Room
- PLANT OPERATIONS: Breakroom, Restrooms
- COMMUNITY LEARNING CENTER: Storage Area, Hallways
- BOBCAT VILLAS: Interior hallways on first level of residential wings
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.