A tornado is a violently rotating column of air expanding from the base of a thunderstorm down to the ground. Tornadoes are capable of completely destroying well-made structures, uprooting trees, and hurling objects through the air like deadly missiles. Tornadoes can occur at any time of day or night and any time of the year.
NOTIFICATION
Tornado watch notifications will be posted on ESU's Facebook and Twitter (@emporiastate) pages. Please follow those pages to help stay updated for any inclement weather updates.
If able, tornado warning notifications will be sent via ESU's mass notification system.
OUTDOOR WARNING SYSTEM
One of the ways campus will be notified of an emergency is the Outdoor Warning System (siren). If you hear the siren at a time other than the scheduled weekly test (Monday at noon), you should immediately seek cover in the nearest building or facility and seek additional information through other communication systems. The siren is NOT used to signal all clear.
ADVISORY
Severe weather is possible for the day. Stay updated on the weather and plan accordingly.
WATCH
Conditions are favorable for the development of severe weather in the next several hours. Plan Now- Stay Alert and Aware!
WARNING
Severe weather conditions are occurring or imminent.
Take Action Now- Shelter from the Storm!
SHELTERING
First choice, go to a basement or engineered safe room above or below ground.
Second choice, get to the lowest floor possible and shelter in an interior room or closet.
Stay away from windows!
Get underneath something sturdy.
Cover your neck and head – use a helmet if you have one available.
Know your shelter location and the amount of time it takes to get to shelter.
Additional inclement weather terms to know available through the National Weather Service preparedness pages. https://www.weather.gov/safety/tornado
