Tornado Safety

Tornado Safety

Several times in recent years, colleges and universities have been hit by severe thunderstorms and tornadoes. We all remember the tornadoes that hit Nashville on April 16, 1998. Nashville Tech did not receive a direct hit; however, the Institution is updating the policies and procedures in order for you to know what you must do in case of severe weather. Faculty and Staff should be familiar with tornado procedures in order to safeguard our students by taking prompt action just before a tornado or severe weather hits.

The following are details to consider:

* Remember that the National Weather Service issues a tornado watch when the possibility of tornadoes exists and a tornado warning when a tornado has been spotted or indicated on radar. Remember also there may not be time for a tornado warning before a twister strikes. Tornadoes form suddenly. Faculty and staff members should know the differences between a watch and a warning.

* Nashville Tech has some areas on campus that were inspected and designated as tornado shelters. Due to construction on campus, these areas will have to be re-evaluated. In campus buildings that have basements, the basement should be used for shelter. In campus buildings that do not have basements, interior hallways on the ground floor should be used for shelter. The interior hallway should not be parallel to the tornado's path, which is usually from the southwest. Never use auditoriums or other rooms with wide, free-span roofs.

* A special alarm system should be designed to indicate a tornado has been sighted and is approaching. The Institution has purchased five (5) Weatherman Radios which will be assigned to the following areas.

* Physical Plant Operations
* Finance and Administrative Services
* Computer Services
* Safety and Security
* Library

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		Tornado Safety Several times in recent years, colleges and universities have been hit by severe thunderstorms and tornadoes. We all remember the tornadoes that hit Nashville on April 16, 1998. Nashville Tech did not receive a direct hit; however, the Institution is updating the policies and procedures in order for you to know what you must do in case of severe weather. Faculty and Staff should be familiar with tornado procedures in order to safeguard our students by taking prompt action just before a tornado or severe weather hits. The following are details to consider: * Remember that the National Weather Service issues a tornado watch when the possibility of tornadoes exists and a tornado warning when a tornado has been spotted or indicated on radar. Remember also there may not be time for a tornado warning before a twister strikes. Tornadoes form suddenly. Faculty and staff members should know the differences between a watch and a warning. * Nashville Tech has some areas on campus that were inspected and designated as tornado shelters. Due to construction on campus, these areas will have to be re-evaluated. In campus buildings that have basements, the basement should be used for shelter. In campus buildings that do not have basements, interior hallways on the ground floor should be used for shelter. The interior hallway should not be parallel to the tornado's path, which is usually from the southwest. Never use auditoriums or other rooms with wide, free-span roofs. * A special alarm system should be designed to indicate a tornado has been sighted and is approaching. The Institution has purchased five (5) Weatherman Radios which will be assigned to the following areas. * Physical Plant Operations * Finance and Administrative Services * Computer Services * Safety and Security * Library [Return to Security Homepage]