STUDENT HOUSING TORNADO PREPAREDNESS

Civil Defense/Severe Weather Warning System

            The severe weather warning is a continual blast of the Civil Defense siren lasting three to five minutes.  If you hear this signal, take shelter as described under the section titled Tornado.  The alarm is tested on the first Tuesday of each month at approximately 10:00 a.m.

High Winds

During high winds, Sunflower Court and Clover Court residents should close and lock all windows to prevent damage, including broken cranks and arms, and shattered windows.

Tornado

In the event of a tornado or severe storm, please take shelter immediately. Do not take shelter in your car.  Do not go outside to watch the storm.  Storms and tornadoes are quick and unpredictable.  You are expected to cooperate with all Housing Office staff and University Police instructions. As soon as all residents are sheltered, safety staff can also take shelter.  Be aware and helpful to mobility impaired residents and children who may need assistance.

In the Apartments:  In Larkspur, Pennyroyal, and Bluebell Court apartments, the safest room is the most interior bathroom.  Closets will also suffice.  Residents in upstairs apartments should set up a plan with a nearby downstairs apartment to go there.  In Sunflower and Clover Courts, the storage room at the end of your building, which is accessible by your apartment key, is the safest place.

In the Residence Hall: Go to a first floor residential wing, face the wall and kneel with your arms covering your head. Keep stairwell, lobby access and room doors closed.  The Front Desk monitor will instruct guests in the Amenities Wing where to take cover.

In the Housing Commons: The Commons Monitor will instruct all people in and around the Commons where to shelter. 

The concourses at Brookens, PAC, and HSB serve as the central University Emergency Shelter.