Weather Emergency Procedures
The Emergency Operations Center (EOC) is the University’s organization for the management of campus responses to major disasters. The EOC’s major decision-makers come together to facilitate a coordinated effort during a major campus emergency.
Tornado Emergency Information
The campus will be notified when the weather bureau issues a tornado watch.
• A TORNADO WATCH MEANS: That conditions are right for a tornado or severe thunderstorm.
• A TORNADO WARNING MEANS: That a tornado has been sighted in the area. Notify your building occupants to take cover immediately.
THE MAIN PROBLEM WITH TORNADOES IS THAT THEY STRIKE WITH LITTLE OR NO WARNING.
IN CASE OF A WARNING, ALL PERSONS SHOULD GO TO DESIGNATED SHELTER AREAS IMMEDIATELY.
If you are unable to get to a shelter, go to an interior room away from windows. If caught outside, lie face down in the nearest spot and cover your head.
DURING A TORNADO WATCH: Tune in to a local radio or television station and be alert to changing conditions. THERE MAY NOT BE TIME TO ALERT EVERYONE IN THE EVENT OF A TORNADO.
General Rules
• When told of a warning, go immediately to the nearest shelter area. Get on your knees in a tucked position with your hands covering your head.
• Stay away from windows.
• A tornado comes swiftly and goes the same way. Stay in the shelter until the all clear is issued.
Earthquakes
• If indoors , seek refuge in doorways, under desks or heavy tables. Stay away from windows, shelf units or heavy equipment. Crouch and cover.
• If outdoors , move quickly away from buildings, utility poles and other structures. Go to outside safe areas.
• After the initial shock, evaluate the situation in your immediate area. If damage seems serious, activate the building alarm and leave the building as soon as it appears safe. Protect yourself and others at all times.
• The physical plant director will inspect each building and will consult with Campus Security and ranking officials as to the safety of the structure.
DO NOT RETURN TO A BUILDING UNTIL TOLD TO DO SO
• After all buildings and areas have been inspected, the ranking senior officer will decide if we should return to normal operations, restricted operations or close and evacuate campus.
• As with all emergencies, the ranking senior officer and the director of university relations will handle the press.
• Injured persons will be treated as medical emergencies and will be treated by campus first responders until local EMS units can get to campus.
Hurricane Watch
A watch is usually declared 48 hours prior to the predicted arrival of a hurricane. At the time a Hurricane Watch is posted for this area, the Academic Affairs Emergency Operations Representative will assume the following responsibilities:
• Notify all academic deans and directors that a watch has been issued, and special emergency meetings with department chair and key staff must occur.
• Through department chairs and key staff, ask that all faculty be notified of the storm status and to be on alert.
• Attend a special meeting of the Emergency Operations Committee when announced
The Dean of Students will assume the following responsibilities:
• Notify Residence Life and Campus Security staff that a watch has been issued, and mandatory meetings with residents need to occur.
• Each student is required to complete travel destination forms at hall meetings.
• Verify a sufficient supply of fliers is available.
The directors of Residence Life and Campus Security will assume the following responsibilities:
• Upon notification from the Dean, call an emergency staff meeting for all Residence Life and Campus Security staff.
• Provide details to staff.
• Review outline for meeting with residents. Inform residents that a watch has been issued. This means the University will prepare to mobilize in case the situation deteriorates.
• Auxiliary Services will lock down the buildings.
• Assign maintenance tasks when needed in conjunction with the physical plant.
• Assign RLCs to residence halls.
Facilities Coordinator – Be available to assist in all duties as assigned by the Residence Life Director. Organize appropriate staffing for EOC.
Hurricane Warning
A warning is usually declared 12-24 hours before predicted arrival of a hurricane. At the time a Hurricane Warning is posted for this area, CSU will cancel classes and begin closing its various Administrative/support operations.
Hurricane Shelter Areas
Wingo/Norris: Get as close to the interior walls as possible. Crouch and cover.
Jones Hall: The west side of the first floor reception area
Ashby Hall: First floor labs under lab tables and in interior first floor restrooms and offices.
Library: Library basement
Chapel: Library basement, first floor chapel restrooms and the lower lever of the music building
Hunter Reception Center: Interior storage rooms and restrooms
Women's North and Russell Halls: The first floor bathroom or rear of any room on the first floor.
Quads: First floor bathrooms or rear of any room on the first floor.
Field House: Men's or women's locker rooms, classroom restrooms, weight room and hallways. STAY OUT OF THE ARENA AREA.
Art Building: Interior rooms
Brewer Center: Interior rooms and restrooms. STAY OUT OF THE GYM AREA.
Whittington Hall: Interior Classrooms and restrooms. DO NOT GO INTO LARGE BAND ROOMS.
Whitfield Stadium Center: Downstairs in concession area
If time permits, the safest places for everyone to go are the Library and Chapel basements.
