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Tornado Procedures

For any on-campus emergency, dial x1-911. From a cell phone dial (413) 538-2304.

 

Table of Contents

 

General Information/Purpose

Tornado Procedures

 

 

 

 

General Information

 

Tornadoes usually occur in the spring and summer; they are formed by severe thunderstorms. Considered nature's most violent, erratic storm, they consist of whirling winds of up to 300 miles per hour. Tornadoes can sweep through an area, causing serious damage and destruction, and then change direction and strike again. In addition to injuries and strucural damage, electrical shorts, gas leaks, etc., may create fires or other hazards. All must understand terminology regarding tornadoes.

 

Tornado Watch: weather conditions are considered favorable for creating a tornado--for example, during a severe thunderstorm.

 

If a TORNADO WATCH is issued, listen to the radio and keep an eye on the weather. Plan to take shelter is a tornado is sighted.

 

 

Tornado Warning: a tornado funnel has been sighted or identified by radar. Take shelter immediately. Remember that tornadoes can form and move quickly; therefore, there may not be adequate time to issue a warning. If severe thunderstorms occur, be alert to the fact that a thunderstorm could trigger a tornado, and be prepared.

 

Tornado Plan

 

PURPOSE:

To provide faculty, staff, and students with guidance on the procedures to be followed when notified of a TORNADO WATCH and/or a TORNADO WARNING originating from the National Weather Service.

 

GOAL:

To minimize personal injury, loss of life, and property damage through proactive measures.

 

RESPONSIBILITY:

Senior administrators (i.e. Deans, Department Heads, and Directors) will ensure that all employees within their area of responsibility read and receive direction to comply with this plan.

 

NOTE: Particular attention must be given to both new and temporary employees (e.g., seasonal workers, per course instructors, etc.) to insure that they are briefed by the responsible department. At the time of employment, each temporary employee will be instructed to contact the Building Coordinator in each building where they may be located, and obtain the locations of the designated shelter areas.

 

Tornado Procedures

 

Classes

 

TORNADO WATCH

 

When a tornado watch is issued by the National Weather Service it will be received on all Weather Alert Radio systems located in key facilities/offices on campus. Upon hearing the announcement of a TORNADO WATCH, each building coordinator will be responsible for notifying all the departments, staff and faculty in their building. The notification will include the following information/instructions:

A. College is under a TORNADO WATCH

B. Time tornado watch expires

C. Normal routine will not be interrupted unless a TORNADO WARNING is issued

D. If sirens are activated, proceed immediately to nearest designated shelter in building.

 

TORNADO WARNING

 

When a tornado warning is issued by the National Weather Service, the tornado sirens will be activated. Upon hearing the tornado sirens, all individuals on campus will proceed to the nearest designated shelter area in the building where they are located. Shelter areas depend on your location at the time of the tornado warning.

 

IF YOU ARE IN A BUILDING, STAY IN THAT BUILDING AND GO TO THE NEAREST DESIGNATED SHELTER AREA. IF YOU ARE OUTSIDE, IMMEDIATELY ENTER THE NEAREST BUILDING AND PROCEED TO THE NEAREST DESIGNATED SHELTER AREA.

A. Faculty members/supervisory personnel will:

1. Direct occupants to proceed in a quick and orderly manner to the nearest designated shelter area in the building.

2. Instruct occupants not to leave the building.

3. Turn off all lights and electronic equipment in the room.

4. Provide assistance to persons with disabilities.

5. Accompany occupants to the nearest designated shelter area in the building.

B. Occupants will:

1. Proceed to the nearest designated shelter area in the building by the closest route.

2. Move quickly but in an orderly manner so that all may arrive safely.

3. Take a seat in the shelter area.

C. Residence hall residents will follow the specific residence hall guidelines for a tornado warning.

D. Persons with a weather alert radio will monitor for an "all clear."

Trouble Areas/Places to Avoid

A. All outside walls, elevators, and windows of buildings.

B. Any low-lying area that could flood.

C. Vehicles---do not use for shelter.

D. Building areas with a large roof span.

 

REMAIN IN THE SHELTER UNTIL THE TORNADO WARNING IS OVER. THERE IS NO "ALL CLEAR" SIGNAL GIVEN, THIS INFORMATION WILL BE PROVIDED BY LISTENING TO A RADIO OR T.V. STATION, OR BY CONTACTING THE SAFETY AND TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT.

 

 

 

Sample Tornado Watch Notification

 

The National Weather Service has issued a TORNADO WATCH for the Western Massachusetts Area until __________ a.m./p.m. This includes the town of South Hadley (etc.).

Normal routine will not be interrupted unless a tornado warning is issued.