TORNADO / HURRICANE

Tornado Watch - A tornado watch is issued when the conditions are favorable for the formation of a tornado. The local National Weather Service will issue a watch bulletin to the local authorities and the local media. During a tornado watch, keep an eye on the weather and be prepared to take shelter immediately if conditions worsen.

Tornado Warning- A tornado warning is given when a tornado funnel is sighted, indicated by radar, or is about to strike. You may only have a few minutes to go to safety. If a tornado is imminent, personnel should take the following actions:

1. Seek shelter in the lowest levels of buildings or an interior hallway, remaining clear of exterior windows and doors.

2. Immediately evacuate areas without reinforced construction such as auditoriums, gymnasiums, and large rooms with wide freespan roofs.

3. If caught in open areas, move away from the tornado's path at a right angle. If there is no time to escape, lie flat in the nearest depression, such as a ravine or ditch.

Hurricane – If an Inland Hurricane Warning is issued by the National Weather Center the Emergency Coordinator will issue an order to evacuate the campus.

All persons, except emergency personnel should not be on campus. It should be recognized that during this time, only activities necessary to prevent or treat injuries, sustain emergency personnel and protect life and property should be undertaken, if actions are safe for the responders.