Environmental Health and Safety

Tornado Information for University of Texas - Tyler

The arrival of spring also brings with it increased risks for severe weather and the formation of tornados. Advance planning and quick response are the keys to surviving a tornado. A large percentage of tornadoes occur between 3:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m., when there's a good chance you'll be at work.

Everyone needs to be familiar with the closest safe area in their building, and how to locate safe areas in other buildings on campus. Please refer to the Emergency Map on the first floor of each building near the elevator or outside doors. The safe rooms are shaded in a tan color.

All Department Safety Liaisons have Weather Alert Radios which will alarm if a severe weather event is expected. Please make sure you know where your department/ building DSL is located and check with them if you have any concerns regarding the weather.

Three Basic Notifications from the National Weather Service

A Tornado Watch

• Conditions are right for the formation of severe storms.
• Continue activities, but be alert for changes.
• Outside activities must be monitored carefully due to lightening and high winds.

A Tornado Warning

• This means that a tornado has been sighted or the signature of a tornado has been detected on radar.
• When a tornado warning is announced, DSLs will notify personnel to prepare to move to their designated shelter area.

Take Cover

• If a tornado is spotted and is moving in your direction, the weather service will issue a "take cover" for persons located in the path of the storm.
• Even if a tornado is not directed at our exact area, strong winds, lightening, and hail may occur.
• Move to the place in your building that has been identified as a tornado shelter. These are indicated on the evacuation maps posted in each building. Proceed to the closest shelter area. If unable to immediately find a designed shelter area, look for interior room, on the lowest level of the building. DO NOT go outside to reach a shelter area.

Sudden Warning

• Look for a location without windows.
• Stairwells are well constructed and provide excellent shelter if no glass is present.
• Rest rooms usually provide good shelter.
• If possible, take cover under a heavy piece of furniture.

Do not take shelter in large rooms or areas such as gyms with large roof spans. Stay away from windows and doors. Do not go outside or try to leave in your car.

Be Prepared

• Plan ahead for the possibility of a power outage. There is emergency lighting in hallways and exit areas.
• Make it your business to know where these areas are located and how you will get there.
• Remember, elevators should be avoided due to power outages.

Stay Calm

• This is a difficult thing to do when an emergency occurs. Attempting to remain calm will not only allow you to think better, but will assist those around you. Thinking your way through your response now will help you cope if a real emergency occurs.
• If your building is involved in a disaster, emergency help will be on the way. Time goes very slowly when waiting for help.

• Be calm and stay inside. Try to assist those around you. Delays can be expected depending on the areas affected. Falling trees, debris, and storm damage may slow emergency services but help will be there.

Stay Indoors If Possible

• Wait for help to arrive. Power wires, debris, and downed trees can create special hazards outside of the structure. Keep in mind that more people are killed by lightening than tornadoes.
• If for some reason, such as fire or structural damage, staying inside is impossible, then use extreme caution when going out of doors.

Think Ahead, Plan, Prepare

• Check with your departmental DSL for the location of the nearest shelter to your office. Can you get there easily if the power if out? Practice the route so that you KNOW where to go. Remember, this is different from the route you take if there is a fire.
• Also keep in mind: UT-Tyler does not have a warning system that covers all buildings at once. Police will make announcements when possible, but it is everyone’s responsibility to monitor weather conditions.

• If you have any questions, please contact EH&S at 7011.