Severe Weather

SEVERE WEATHER

Severe Weather Warning Procedures

In the event the National Weather Service issues a SEVERE THUNDERSTORM or TORNADO WARNING. This warning will be given as soon as possible via the RU Alert system, voice mail, e-mail, Department of Public safety, Campus dispatcher, and residence life staff.

Definitions:

TORNADO WATCH/ THUNDERSTORM WATCH:
Conditions are favorable for tornadoes and severe thunderstorms may develop.

TORNADO WARNING/ THUNDERSTORM WARNING:
A tornado or severe thunderstorm has been spotted in your area.

Directions and Instructions for Severe Thunderstorm or Tornado Warnings

SIGNS: YELLOW BACKGROUND/BLACK LETTERS.
ALL CAMPUS MESSAGE BOARDS HAVE SIGNS DIRECTING THE COMMUNITY TO THE SHELTER AREAS AND                 LOCATIONS. MOVE TO THESE AREAS AS QUICKLY AND ORDERLY AS POSSIBLE.

SHELTER AREAS: YELLOW BACKGROUND/BLACK LETTERS MOUNTED ON WALLS AND DOORS OF ALL SHELTER AREAS. ALL AREAS DESIGNATED AS SHELTER AREAS ARE CLEARLY DEFINED BY SIGNS MOUNTED ON WALLS AND DOORS.

Severe Weather Shelter Areas

BURPEE CENTER: Individuals should move to the lowest level basement area and stay away from all windows and doors.

STARR SCIENCE: Individuals should move to lowest level possible, away from all windows and doors. The interior hallways basement level and tunnel area are designated shelter areas.

SCARBOROUGH HALL: Individuals should move to lowest level possible away from all windows and doors. The basement level hallway and men’s and women’s restrooms are designated shelter areas.

COLMAN LIBRARY: Individuals should move to lowest possible level away from all windows and doors. The basement level away from windows on east end of building is designated shelter areas.

CLARK ARTS: Individuals should move to first floor level away from all windows and doors.

Designated shelter areas are:

• NORTH hallway
• CLASSROOM 111
• men’s and women’s restrooms
• BASEMENT area Green Room hallway

FISHER CHAPEL: Individuals should move to west wall of sanctuary away from center open area to Southwest corner and Northwest corner.

NOTE: IF TIME PERMITS EVACUATE TO COLMAN LIBRARY BASEMENT OR BURPEE CENTER BASEMENT!

CUMMINGS COMPLEX: Individuals should move to the pit area away from all windows and doors. The laundry room and the hallway from the living center to Barnes are designated shelter areas.

LANG HEALTH: Individuals should move to the interior hallway restrooms and stay clear of all windows and doors.

JOHNSON CENTER/LION’S DEN: Individuals should move to the first floor men’s and women’s restrooms and stay clear of all windows and doors.

NELSON HALL: Individuals should move to lower level interior hallway men’s and women’s restrooms and room 113. Or second floor interior office areas away from windows and doors.

OLSON HALL: Individuals should move to interior hallway and restrooms.

CASTER HALL: Individuals should move to interior hallway and restrooms.

MCPHAIL HALL: Individuals should move to interior hallway and restrooms.

SVENSON HALL: Individuals should move to interior hallway and restrooms.

DAYTON HALL: Individuals should move to interior hallway and restrooms.

EKVALL HALL: Individuals should move to interior hallway and restrooms.

KENT CENTER: Individuals should move to the first floor restrooms and stay clear of all windows and doors.

MARLAND PHYSICAL PLANT: Individuals should seek shelter in first floor men’s and women’s restrooms.

SEAVER PHYSICAL EDUCATION CENTER: Individuals should move to first floor men and women’s locker rooms.

NOTE: DO NOT USE ELEVATORS DURING EMERGENCY BUILDING EVACUATION PROCEDURES. USE STAIRWAYS ONLY.

Rockford University Department of Public Safety is a NOAA Weather Ready Nation Ambassador.