SEVERE WEATHER

Severe Thunderstorms
Severe thunderstorms include the possibility of damaging lightning, winds, hail and flash flooding. Students and staff should go inside a sturdy building, staying away from windows. If lightning is heavy and frequent, computers and other electrical appliances should be turned off if they are not needed. Under no circumstances should floodwaters be crossed, either by foot or car.

Tornadoes
A tornado WATCH is a forecast of the possibility of tornadoes in a large area; conditions are favorable for a tornado to develop. Normal activities should continue with the following precautions taken:

1. Upon issuance of a tornado watch through the weather monitor, public communications or police, the Campus Services personnel should be alerted of the situation by calling 8296 (during business hours,) or 8196 after hours.
2. The emergency weather monitor or local radio station should be monitored constantly by the Campus Services Office and switchboard.

A tornado WARNING means that a tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar and may be approaching. The public warning siren system will be activated by the Troup County Emergency Management Agency.

The following steps should be taken immediately:

1. Take shelter. Students, faculty, and staff should take measures to protect themselves. Move immediately to basements, center hallways or bathrooms if time permits. Stay away from windows and large, open rooms. Take cover under heavy objects if possible and hold on to it. In building hallways, sit with your back to the walls; put your head between your knees and cover with your hands to protect your head.
2. Do not bother with opening or closing windows.
3. If you are outside, seek shelter in a building if time permits. Otherwise, lie down in a ditch or low area with your hands covering the back of your head and neck.
4. Do not stay in cars.
5. Students, faculty and staff should remain in the safety area until local emergency personnel or college administrators give notice that it is clear.

Snow and Ice Storms
Public warning is issued by the National Weather Bureau through the radio and television media when a severe snowstorm, blizzard, or ice storm is anticipated. Essential employees (Emergency Call List) will be notified by administrative officers if contingency plans or special duties are required of them. If necessary, emergency housing for stranded students and staff will be coordinated by the Student Life Office, in cooperation with Campus Services.

The decision to suspend classes will be made by the Vice President for Academic Affairs & Dean. Communications and Marketing personnel will notify the local radio and TV stations. If possible, the switchboard will be open to relay information.

Earthquake
Earthquakes can occur at any time, without warning, and may last up to 3 minutes. Often they are followed by aftershocks. In the event of an earthquake, students and staff who are indoors should stay indoors; those outdoors should stay outdoors. The danger of falling debris and flying glass makes entering and exiting a building hazardous.

Those indoors should get under a sturdy object (desk, table) and hold on. If nothing is available, brace yourself in a doorway or go to an interior hallway. Stay away from windows, glass and other objects that may fall (bookcases, display cabinets). Protect your eyes and head. Do not use an elevator during an earthquake. People outside should move to an open space away from buildings, trees and power lines. Lie down, face down. If you are in a car, stop as soon as possible and stay in your car.