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Personal
Safety Guide
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Tornadoes
and other Severe Storms |
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Watch: |
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A watch is the first alert issued by the National
Weather Service when severe storms are possible in
your area. This watch is issued when the conditions
are favorable for the formation of a severe storm.
Remain alert for approaching storms, however you may
continue with your routine, or any other activities.
Turn on a battery-operated radio to stay alert of
any developments.
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Warning: |
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This warning is issued when a
severe storm has been sighted or indicated
by weather radar. Tornado warnings
indicate imminent danger to life and property. Go immediately underground to a basement or interior room (closet, hallway or bathroom).
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Danger Signs
of An Approaching Tornado: |
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Dark, often greenish
sky. Large hail. Large, dark, low-lying cloud
(particularly if rotating) Loud roar, similar to the
sound of a freight train.
Before a tornado hits, the wind may die down and the
air become very still.
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Safety Procedures: |
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If you are
outside when a tornado approaches, if possible,
get inside a building at once. If you can’t get
to shelter, lie in a ditch or low lying area.
Be aware of the potential for flying debris and
flooding and stay away from glass, small
buildings and fencing.
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If you are in a
vehicle, get out and into a building or if there
is no time, lie in a ditch or other low lying
area.
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Do not get under
an overpass or bridge. You are safer in a low,
flat location.
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The best
protection is an underground shelter or
basement, or a substantial steel-framed or
reinforced concrete building. (If none is
available take refuge in other parts as
indicated below.)
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In any facility
always go to the lowest floor possible.
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Stay out of
rooms below large roof sections such as a
gymnasium.
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If your
residence has no basement, take cover under
heavy furniture on the ground floor in the
center of the building, or in a small room on
the ground floor that is away from outside walls
and windows. (As a last resort, go outside to a
nearby ditch, excavation, culvert, or ravine.)
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The large brick
buildings on campus are reinforced construction
and should provide adequate shelter.
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Consult with the
building manager for a designated meeting place
(such as an interior hallway on the lowest
floor) during this or any other emergency.
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If you are unable to evacuate or have limited
mobility contact your RA, Housing Services or
building manger to plan for special assistance.
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Flood Procedures: |
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If a flood watch
or warning occurs for the area you are in, move
to higher ground immediately. Do not delay.
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If a campus
building begins to flood leave the building for
a facility that is not flooding. Notify Campus
Safety and Security 410-516-7777.
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When traveling
do not drive through flooded roadway. Remember a
relatively small amount of running water can
sweep your car downstream. The depth of the
water is not always obvious.
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If a vehicle
stalls in water, leave the vehicle immediately
and move to higher ground.
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Be extra
cautious when driving at night when it is more
difficult to recognize flood signs or water
depth.
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During heavy
rains or flood alerts, etc., do not park a
vehicle near streams, rivers, or known flash
flood areas.
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Do not walk through or play in floodwater.
Floodwater may contain toxic matter from sewage
and other sources. If you must come into contact
with floodwater wash with soap and clean water
as soon as possible after the contact.
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For additional information, see the American Red Cross Tornado Checklist.
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