Tornado Preparedness

Emergency Procedures Guide

Familiarize yourself with the severe weather procedures specific to your campus or location by visiting tri-c.edu/whatwouldyoudo.

Weather Alerts

Know the difference between watches and warnings:

• A tornado watch means weather conditions are favorable for the development of tornadoes. Stay tuned to weather updates as conditions may change rapidly.
• A tornado warning means a tornado has been confirmed by radar or visual identification. Seek shelter immediately in the safest area possible.

Tornado Warning Actions

If a tornado warning is issued for your area, do not wait for instructions on where to shelter. Immediately navigate to the nearest designated tornado shelter or move to the lowest level or ground floor center hallway of your building.

• Close office doors as you leave
• Do not use elevators
• Avoid windows, as they may shatter
• Avoid heavy items that could fall, such as equipment racks or shelves
• Avoid any dangerous chemicals that could spill

To take cover in your safe area, sit or crouch, protecting your head if possible.

Listen for announcements from emergency personnel or the building safety team.

After the Tornado

Do not leave your safe area until given the all-clear from campus police or other emergency personnel.

Minimize phone usage to keep lines open for emergency personnel.