Emergency Response

Tornado

A tornado watch = Be prepared. 
Weather conditions could lead to formation of a tornado.

A tornado warning = Take action! 
The National Weather Service has issued a warning that a tornado has been sighted. 

Be Prepared
Tornado Watch
  • Know where to go if a Tornado Warning is issued.
  • Be ready to act quickly if a Tornado Warning is issued.
Tornado Warning

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO

If you are inside any campus building: 

  • Move to the basement or ground floor center hall of the building you are in, closing office or residence hall doors as you leave.  
  • Take the stairs instead of elevators. 
  • Stay away from windows and doors with glass panes. 
  • Sit or crouch in an interior hallway or room so you are able to cover your head. 
  • Avoid large rooms, such as the indoor track, gymnasiums, or other large rooms on campus. 
  • Do not leave the tornado safety area until released by emergency personnel.  

If you are outside:

  • Seek shelter in a campus building if possible. 
  • If you can’t get to a building, seek shelter in a low-lying area, like a ditch, lay flat on your stomach if possible, and cover your head. 

If you are in a vehicle:

  • Seek shelter in a building, if possible. 
  • If you can’t get to a building, abandon your vehicle and seek shelter in a low-lying area, like a ditch, lay flat on your stomach if possible, and cover your head. 

WHAT WILL HAPPEN

  • University police officers will monitor conditions on campus, as well as the information provided by the National Weather Service and local authorities.  
  • A META notification will be issued in the event that the National Weather Service issues a tornado warning. 
  • Once the tornado threat has passed, you will be notified via META.  
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