Emergency Management & Response

FIRST RESPONSE:

Tornado and Severe Weather Alerts

Tornado Watch - weather conditions are right for a tornado to develop.

Tornado Warning - a tornado has been sighted.

If the warning siren is activated or the weather is threatening:

• Go to the building's tornado shelter area.  Designated tornado shelter areas for each building can be found on the tornado posters located next to exits and exit ways.
• Go to the basement or an inside room or hallway at the lowest level of the building.
• Avoid places with wide-span roofs, such as auditoriums, cafeterias, and large hallways.
• Get under a piece of sturdy furniture, such as a heavy table or desk, if possible.
• Use your arms to protect your head and neck.
• If outside, get into a ditch or depressed area.  Do not use a vehicle as a safe area or to outrun the tornado.

After a tornado:

• Stay out of damaged buildings until authorities determine it is safe to enter.
• Assume all wires on the ground are charged so do not touch.

If you hear or smell leaking gas, do not strike a match or lighter or turn on a light switch; any size flame or spark could cause an explosion.  Exit the area and call 911 to report the leaking gas.

Lightning

Statistics show that lightning is more dangerous than a tornado.  If you can see it (lightning), flee it (take shelter).  If you can hear it (thunder), clear it (suspend activities).

During a Lightning Storm:

• Do not use telephones or electrical appliances.
• Stay away from doors and windows.
• Do not bathe or shower when severe weather threatens.
• Avoid bodies of water, trees, tents, ball field dugouts, light poles, metal fences, etc.
• Get off riding lawn mowers or golf carts and seek appropriate shelter.

Note: Monitor local weather stations with radio, weather radio, or TV.

Related Information:

• National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA): http://radar.weather.gov/radar.php?rid=iln&product=N0R&overlay=11101111&loop=no
• Severe Weather in Northwest Ohio:  http://www.bgsu.edu/offices/envhs/page21576.html
• Severe Weather Alert Terms:  http://www.bgsu.edu/offices/envhs/page21579.html
• Emergency Procedures for a Tornado or Severe Thunderstorm:  http://www.bgsu.edu/offices/envhs/page21580.html
• Tornado Safety Training:  http://www.bgsu.edu/downloads/finance/file14241.pdf
• Tornado Safety Training Powerpoint Presentation:  http://www.bgsu.edu/downloads/finance/file14242.ppt
• The Online Tornado FAQ (NOAA):  http://www.spc.noaa.gov/faq/tornado/#Safety

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