Tornado Warning Information Sheet

April 2, 2003

 

The First Responder Committee suggests that all faculty and staff take a moment to review the instructions that are provided in the event of a tornado.  In the event that there is no time to inform everyone of a tornado sighting, it would be beneficial to have prior knowledge of what to do.  This is especially true for faculty who will be in the position of instructing students of what to do and where to go during an event such as this.

 

I would like to point out that there is a special note in the plans for anyone that may be in the Owens Auditorium during a tornado warning.  This building contains what is called a “free-span” roof or ceiling.  For this reason, individuals would be safer, if time permits, by moving to the nearest building, which would be Wellard Hall (music building).  Once in Wellard Hall, you would need to go to an interior hallway away from glass doors and/or windows.  

 

Where do you find this information?

Faculty and Staff Emergency Plan

Every employee on campus should have a copy of this plan. These were distributed by the First Responder Committee and were copied on lavender paper.

 

Instructions For Emergencies

Every classroom on campus should have a copy of this plan posted.  These were distributed by the First Responder Committee and were copied on pink paper.

 

First Responder Teams Emergency Plan

At this point in time, only core individuals have a copy of this plan.  The current rosters are being updated.

 

What will happen in the event of a watch (conditions are favorable)?

The Physical Plant will conduct a walk-through of all buildings on campus announcing that we are currently under a Tornado watch and to be prepared to take cover in the event of a warning/sighting.  At that time, faculty and staff should take a moment to review the Tornado instructions that are listed on the plans mentioned above.

 

What will happen in the event of a warning (sighting)?

A sighting could consist of a weather alert that a Tornado has been sighted in our area, or it could be a visual sighting on campus.  Quite honestly, prior warning will depend on where the tornado has been sighted.  If time permits, the Alert System will be activated and a walk-through will be initiated.  All should follow the instructions on the plans mentioned above.

 

Should you have any questions, concerns, or need copies of any of the plans listed above, please do not hesitate to contact Charla Matthews at ext. 3889 in the Maintenance Building, or send an email.