Before

• Know the difference between "Watch" and "Warning".  "Watch" means that the weather emergency is possible within the designated area.  "Warning" means that the weather emergency has been reported or is impending.
• Know the geographic area to be able to track the storm's progress.
• Participate in practice drills.
• Keep flashlight, radio and extra batteries on hand.
   

Tornado - During

A tornado is a violent rotating column of air extending from a thunderstorm to the ground.  Tornadoes are capable of tremendous destruction with wind speeds of 250 mph or more.  Powerful thunderstorms may spawn tornadoes. Tornadoes may occur with little or no advance warning or siren activation. 

• Follow the directions of emergency or University personnel.
• Move to a basement or interior room or hallway on the lowest floor and get under a sturdy piece of furniture.
• Stay away from windows.
• If outdoors, go inside.  Stay away from windows and doors.
• If outdoors with no building near you, get into a ditch or low-lying area.  Lie in a flat, low spot, and cover your neck and head.
• Keep away from buildings with wide-span roofs such as cafeterias or auditoriums.  They have a greater risk of collapsing due to the wide roof and minimal support beams.

Lightning-During

If you hear it - clear it.

If indoors:

• Stay away from water, faucets, sinks, and windows.  Do not use telephone or any electrical appliances.
• If applicable, follow the directions of emergency or University personnel.

If outdoors:

• Stay away from open areas, tall trees, and open waters (lakes).
• If caught in an open area, minimize your contact with the ground.  Crouch low on the balls of your feet; do not be the tallest thing around you.
• If you are with a group, move away form each other, so electricity does not travel from one to the other.
• Keep clear of metal objects.
• If on the golf course, return to the club house immediately.

Flooding

Floods can be caused by prolonged rainfall, broken dams, intense rainfall or one or more inches per hour or the sudden burst of pipes inside buildings.

Floods also can be the result of thunderstorms or hurricanes.

Most flash flooding is caused by slow-moving thunderstorms, storms that repeatedly move over the same area, or heavy rains.

Flood watch: Flooding is possible within the designated "watch" area.

Flood Warning: Flooding has been reported or is impending within the designated "warning" area. Please note that you may not always have a warning that floods are coming.

Flood -During

• If a "Watch" is issued:
• Follow the directions of designated emergency team member(s) or emergency personnel.
• Listen to the advice of local officials.
• Move records, computers or other critical items to a higher level, if possible or relocate them to a safe place.
• Be prepared to evacuate
• If a "Warning" is issued:
• If you are instructed to evacuate, do so immediately.
• Go to high ground.
• Move to a safe area before flood waters cut off access.
• Continue to listen to the radio for weather information.
• A car can be an extremely dangerous place in a flood. Moving water no higher than a car bumper may sweep a car away. Watch for flooding at highway dips, bridges and low areas if you are in a car. If you vehicle stalls, leave it immediately and seek high ground.

Snow

• Winter storm "Watch": Severe conditions, such as heavy snow and/or ice, may affect the "watch" area.
• Winter Storm "Warning": Severe weather is about to occur in the 'warning' area-stay indoors and avoid travel.
• Blizzard "Warning": Strong winds and snow will combine to produce a blinding snow - seek refuge immediately.