Tornadoes are very violent and destructive storms; they have a funnel shape and sound like a roaring train when they approach. They are usually spawned by a thunderstorm, but can also be caused by a hurricane. Tornadoes are more localized and less easy to predict than other storms; there is often little warning of their approach.
Tornadoes generally occur between March and August, mostly during the afternoon or evening. It is important to remember that due to the violence of these storms and the short advance warning, human safety will likely be the highest priority. It is very important to know what to do and where to go if a warning is issued.
Preventive actions to reduce the risk of tornado damage –
• Conduct tornado drills each tornado season.
• Investigate methods of protecting your building against wind damage.
• Consider having unreinforced masonry strengthened.
A tornado watch is issued when tornadoes and/or severe thunderstorms are likely to strike an area.
A tornado warning is issued when the funnel of the tornado has been sighted in the area. At that point, human safety must be the highest priority. Immediate shelter must be sought and there will be no time to secure collections.
If a tornado watch is issued –
• Move collections to an interior location away from windows, with valuable collections taking first priority.
• Perform a controlled shutdown of the computer system
• Ensure that flashlights and fresh batteries are available
• Ensure that battery powered radios with weather band (and fresh batteries) are available
• Ensure that auxiliary sources of electricity are in working order (e.g., generators).
If a tornado warning is issued
- Seek shelter immediately -
- The library shelter location is the back center study rooms and the public restrooms. Everyone should sit facing the internal wall with knees and head down, hands covering face and head.
- Immediately vacate your office, classroom or work area and proceed to a place of greater safety, closing doors behind you. (If you are instructing a class at the time, tell students to follow you to a safer location.)
- Stay off the elevators; you could be trapped in them if the power is lost.
- Seek shelter in the hallways away from windows. Close all hallway doors.
- Avoid areas with windows or glass window-walls.
- Try to put as many walls as possible between yourself and the tornado.
- If possible, use heavy furniture, such as a large desk or table to shield yourself from debris or a collapsed roof. (People who get under something usually survive.) Get behind a counter if one is available. If wearing a heavy jacket or have access to a blanket or mat, use it to cover the upper body and head. Lie flat or crouch on your knees with your head down and use your arms to protect the head and neck.
- Wait patiently and calmly until you receive the all-clear message or are sure the tornado has passed.
What to Do After Storm Has Passed and Tornado Hits the Campus
- Check yourself and those around you for injuries.
- Call 911 only to report a life-threatening emergency.
- If you smell gas or hear a hissing sound indoors, open windows, do not create sparks, do not use your cell phone, and leave the building. (See also Gas Leak Procedures in the EMP)
- Go to NOAA Weather Radio and your local news/radio stations for instructions/updates on the storm. The college will issue an “all clear” notice. Local radio and news stations will broadcast what to do, the location of emergency shelters, medical aid stations and the extent of damage.
- Evacuate damaged buildings. Do not re-enter until declared safe by authorities/cleared by the President or the President’s designee.
