Tornado and Thunderstorm Procedures

The following procedures are simplified.  Use common sense in all activities and responses. 

A TORNADO OR THUNDERSTORM WATCH means you should be prepared to take cover if threatening conditions are sighted.  A TORNADO OR THUNDERSTORM WARNING is issued by your local National Weather Service facility, and means a tornado or severe thunderstorm is imminent.  Persons close to the storm should take shelter immediately, and remain there until the danger has passed.  Under a WARNING individuals should be instructed to seek shelter in building interiors such as hallways, restrooms, interior classrooms and to AVOID windows, doors and large open areas such as gymnasiums and auditoriums.   

Shelter areas are marked with Tornado Shelter signage.  

1. Severe Thunderstorm and Tornado Watch and Warning

A.  Each county’s Emergency Preparedness office will monitor all weather conditions and report watches or warnings of any expected severe conditions through the emergency preparedness radio system (black box) at each location.  This can be found in the business office, library or maintenance office at your site.  Ask the business office where yours is located.

(The emergency preparedness radio system, a portable black box located at each campus, alerts staff to weather watches and warnings) 

SEVERE WEATHER PROCEDURES - EVENING HOURS

If severe weather is threatening, the individual responsible for the facility should monitor the Emergency Preparedness response system black box.  It may be moved to any room and returned at the end of the weather condition alert.  The “black box” is to be taken with you during the times you seek shelter.  The battery backup will last approximately 6 hours and provide additional weather updates. 

SHELTER AREAS 

All of the buildings of Iowa Lakes Community College have been reviewed by a member of the Emergency Management Office and shelter areas are posted throughout the buildings. 

IMMEDIATE STEPS TO BE TAKEN:

1. When a tornado warning is received, classes are to be dismissed and all persons instructed to move to the nearest shelter area.  A horn will be sounded throughout the building.

2. Faculty members should take class records with them to the shelter area.  (This is to aid in identifying missing persons after a disaster).

3. Each staff member teaching in a room should close windows and interior doors if time allows.

4. Instructors in laboratories or shops where there is natural or acetylene gas in the room should turn off the gas at the room's master valve.

5. Stay in shelter areas until the ALL CLEAR is received and relayed to the shelter area by the person in charge.  Staff will verbally give the all clear.

GENERAL RULES

1. Safety of students is the first concern.

2. DO NOT leave the buildings.  Although Iowa Lakes Community College buildings are not tornado proof, they afford more protection than any other buildings in the vicinity and offer more safety than an automobile.

3. Any protection over the head, such as an open book, a table or chair, might save a person from injury by a flying or falling object.

4. Keep away from open doors or windows.

RECOVERY

1. All college personnel should expect to assist in locating injured persons if needed; however, does not move a non-ambulatory victim until qualified medical or first aid personnel arrive.

2. The college buildings may be made available to the community, if needed, as emergency shelters or emergency hospitals.

3. Students and faculty may be asked to volunteer to serve on emergency clean-up or rescue teams.

PUBLICATION & NOTIFICATION

1. A MAP designating the location of shelter areas should be located in every classroom and on hallway bulletin boards. These maps must be clearly visible at all times.  They are not to be covered by other papers or obstructed in any way.  Shelters should also be identified by signage on the wall or room entrance.  The Administrative Assistant to the Dean is responsible for map location.

SUGGESTED SHELTER AREAS

 IMPORTANT:  It is important to remind everyone that they are to STAY CLEAR OF GLASS WINDOWS/DOORS.