NOTE: The type, severity, reactions, and impact of an incident are not always the same. The information provided below is some suggested actions to take. This may or may not be everything you should or should not do as your actions may vary depending on the incident.

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

• 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

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.

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 the 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 the telephone
• If available, listen to a radio or TV for updates

AFTER

• Listen for the "all clear" signal that the threat is over.