Preparation for Severe Weather
Per year, on average 800 tornadoes are reported nationwide. More than 1,500 people are reported injured with an average of 65 fatalities. The most violent tornadoes are capable of widespread destruction with wind speeds of 250 mph or more.
Tornadoes more commonly occur between 3:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m., but they can occur any time - and usually, but not always, moving from southwest to northeast, but they can move in any direction. They can be stationary or move forward at speeds of up to 70 mph.
Plans must include multiple methods to communicate and receive severe weather broadcasts of watches and warnings to all persons on campus. We currently have National Weather Service Emergency Weather Radios in various campus buildings including every residence hall.
Be aware of the following types of severe weather advisories issued by the National Weather Service:
SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCHES AND WARNINGS: Thunderstorms are defined as severe if they produce winds in excess of 58 mph and/or produce hail 3/4 of an inch in diameter or larger. A severe thunderstorm watch means that severe storms are possible. A severe thunderstorm warning means that a severe thunderstorm is imminent or occurring. Keep in mind that tornadoes occasionally develop in areas where severe thunderstorm watches or warnings are in effect. Remain alert to signs of an approaching tornado and seek shelter if threatening conditions exist.
TORNADO WATCHES AND WARNINGS: A tornado watch means that tornadoes are possible in the area. Remain alert for approaching storms and be prepared to move to a safe location. A tornado warning means that a tornado has been sighted or is imminent. If a tornado warning has been issued for your area, move to your designated place of safety. A UD Emergency Alert will be issued if a tornado is sighted in the area.
If you are on campus when a tornado warning has been issued, DO NOT go outside to check the weather. You should move to an underground area or to the lowest level of whatever building you are in. If neither are available to you, move to an interior room or hallway on the lowest floor and crouch down against a wall or get under a sturdy piece of furniture.
Auditoriums, gymnasiums, and other structures with high, wide-span roofs do not offer good protection. Know that flying debris causes most deaths and injuries during a tornado. Stay away from windows and exterior doors.
DO NOT attempt to outrun a tornado in a motor vehicle. Abandon it for a strong building. If you are on the road, know that overpasses offer little protection from tornadoes and should not be used as shelters. If caught in the open, take cover in a ditch or low spot. Remember, this will not provide the same protection as a sturdy building. Occasionally, tornadoes develop so rapidly that advance warning is not possible so remain alert for signs of an approaching tornado.
For additional information on tornadoes and severe weather, visit the National Weather Service website.
SEVERE WEATHER LOCATIONS INSIDE UD BUILDINGS
CAMPUS BUILDINGS
Alumni Chapel
If time allows, move to the lower level of Blades Hall. If not, move to the front of the building, away from doors and windows.
Babka Aviation Learning Center
Restrooms or interior hallway near the Flight Simulation Room. Also in rooms 130, 131, and 132 away from windows.
Blades Hall
Lowest level near the elevator entrance.
Charles C. Myers Library
Lower level in the basement near the elevator.
Charles and Romona Myers Center
Lower level lounge area at the bottom of the stairs or inside the restrooms on the lower level.
Chlapaty Recreation and Wellness Center
Locker rooms on the lower level.
Heritage Center
Lower level in the "Back of House" hallway away from windows.
Jackaline Baldwin Dunlap Technology Center
If time allows, move to the lower level of Blades Hall. If not, go to the restrooms on the main floor.
Maintenance Building
Restrooms
Marge Kremer Little Spartans Childcare Center
Storage area in the basement.
Mercer-Birmingham Hall
Restrooms on the lower level.
Peters Commons
Lower level inside of either restroom or hallway immediately outside the restrooms.
Peter and Susan Smith Welcome Center
Restrooms on lowest level or the lower level of the Charles and Romona Myers Center.
Severance Hall
If time allows, go to Van Vliet Hall. If not, go to the lowest level in the stairwells or the restrooms on the first floor.
Smeltzer-Kelly Student Health Center
Lower level away from windows.
Smith Hall
Lower level, near the middle of the building by the mechanical room.
Stoltz Sports Center/McCormick Gymnasium
Lower level of Stoltz in the hallway outside of the racquetball courts.
University Science Center
Lower level of the building in the center hallway. Keep all classroom doors closed.
Van Vliet Hall
Center of the lower level. Keep all office doors closed.
Veterans Memorial Training Center
Maintenance and equipment storage room at the north end of the building.
RESIDENCE HALLS
Aitchison Hall
Lower-level restrooms on the east side of the building. For those on the west side of the building, use the old computer room at the left at the bottom of the stairs.
Casset Hall
Lower level in the center of the building away from doors and windows
Chlapaty Residence Hall
First floor lobby area, first floor pod restrooms. Stay away from windows as much as possible.
Donnell Hall
Lower level in the center of the building away from doors and windows.
Other Residential Campus Housing
Lower level in the basement away from windows.
Park Village Apartments
Lower level of each building in front of the mechanical room entrance.
Townhouses
Lowest level in the basement away from any windows.