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Emergency Management Plan Policy Manual |
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Section F
Subject: SEVERE WEATHER Warnings page F-14-a |
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SEVERE WEATHER Storms, Tornados, Hurricanes
In the event of severe weather, DO NOT pull the fire alarm. DO NOT go outside in the event of Severe Weather.
In the event that a tornado is reported or sighted, all persons within the University Community should move to a safe area. Action should be taken to prevent personal injury from falling objects or flying debris.
Building basements, inner hallways, enclosed stairwells, or lobbies without glass are suggested areas of safety.
Severe Weather Information
Severe Weather Watch – Atmospheric conditions are likely to produce severe weather.
Severe Weather Warning – Severe weather is occurring in the area and precautions should be taken.
Severe Weather – Thunderstorms, High Winds, Tornados, Flooding
THUNDERSTORMS AND LIGHTNING
Thunderstorm Danger Signs
Have Disaster Supplies on Hand
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Policies for the NSU Emergency Management Plan |
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Section F
Subject: SEVERE WEATHER Thunderstorms page F-14-b |
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Watches and Warnings Issued by the National Weather Service
Severe Thunderstorm Watch: Issued when the weather conditions are such that a severe thunderstorm (damaging winds of 58 miles per hour or more, or hail three-fourths of an inch in diameter or greater) is likely to develop, This is the time to locate a safe place and tell persons to watch the sky and listen to the radio or television for more information.
Severe Thunderstorm Warning: Issued when a severe thunderstorm has been sighted or indicated by weather radar. When a warning is issued, the danger is very serious and everyone should go to a safe place, turn on a battery-operated radio or television, and wait for the “all-clear” signal to be given by authorities.
ESTIMATING THE DISTANCE FROM A THUNDERSTORM Lightning flashes can be seen long before the resulting thunder is heard, because light travels much faster than sound. Sound travels approximately 1100 feet per second. You can estimate the distance to a thunder storm by counting the number of seconds between a flash of lightning and the next clap of thunder. Divide the time in seconds by five, and the result is the distance in miles.
Important: You are in danger from lightning if you can hear the thunder. Knowing how far away a storm is does not mean that you are safe only when the storm is overhead.
DURING A THUNDERSTORM If Indoors:
If outdoors:
If in a car:
DO NOT TRY TO GET OUT of the car
HAILSTORMS – Hail is produced by many strong thunderstorms. Hail can be smaller than a pea or al large as a softball and can be very destructive to plants and crops, as well as people and property. In a hailstorm, take cover immediately. Pets and livestock are particularly vulnerable to hail, so bring animals into shelter.
AFTER THE THUNDERSTORM
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Policies for the NSU Emergency Management Plan |
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Section F
Subject: SEVERE WEATHER Tornados and High Winds page F-14-c |
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TORNADOS and HIGH WINDS
TORNADO WARNING: A tornado has either been sighted or it is highly probable that one will develop.
TORNADO WATCH: Conditions are such that storms capable of producing a tornado may develop.
This is what you should do: 1. Move away from the perimeter and exterior of the building. 1. 2. Go quickly to the lower level of the building, using stairwells only. 2. 3. Vacate any exterior office or study rooms and close the door behind you. 3. 4. If the building has a basement, you can go into the basement area. 4. 5. Go to an area that has been designated a shelter area for your building (contact your building manager), or to an interior hallway. 6. 6. Sit down and protect yourself, by putting your head as close to your lap as possible, on knees, protecting your head. 8. 7. Remain calm, and encourage those around you to do likewise. 9. 8. If you cannot reach the shelter area, seek protection under a desk as far away from the windows as possible.
DO NOT: 1. 1. LEAVE THE BUILDING. 2. 2. Use elevators. 3. 3. Use stairwells that lead to the exterior of the building. 4. 4. Remain near windows. 5. 5. Leave the building unless you are instructed to do so.
When the warning is over or the tornado has passed: 1. Check personnel for any injuries sustained in the event. 1. 2. In the event a person is injured: - Call University Police at 5431 (318-357-5431) · - Report the location of the injured person · - Give your name and a phone number 2. 3. In the event of any property damage, notify University Police
TORNADO SAFETY In your Vehicle: Abandon your vehicle, move away from it to avoid being hit by the vehicle. Seek shelter in a dry ditch, ravine, or low spot. Crouch low and cover your head with your hands. NEVER try to outrun a tornado. Some tornados travel up to 60 mph!
In a Building: Move to a hallway or small room at the center of the building on the lowest level of the building, preferably a space without windows. Be sure to close all doors behind you. Sit on the floor and protect your head with your hands.
In High Rise Buildings:You may not have time to go to the lowest floor, so seek shelter in the hallway or a small room in the center of the building. Stay away from the windows and out of elevators.
DO NOT seek shelter in dining halls, gyms or other large rooms, as roofs in these parts of a building are usually weaker. If you are in one of these type buildings, go to the bathroom area of the building. DO NOT exit the building during a Tornado. DO NOT use elevators during a Tornado. |
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