Severe Weather Conditions/Tips

A. Flooding/Heavy Rains
Flash floods can strike any time and any place with little or no warning. In mountainous or flat terrain, distant rain may be channeled into gullies and ravines, turning a quiet streamside campsite into a rampaging torrent in minutes. City streets can become rivers in seconds.

B. Observe these flash flood safety rules. They could save your life.

Keep alert for signs of heavy rain (thunder and lightning), both where you are and upstream.
Watch for rising water levels.
Know where high ground is and get there quickly if you see or hear rapidly rising water.
Be especially cautious at night. It's harder to recognize the danger then.
Do not attempt to cross flowing water which may be more than knee deep. If you have doubts, don't cross.
Don't try to drive through flooded areas.
If your vehicle stalls, abandon it and seek higher ground immediately.
During threatening weather; listen to commercial radio or TV, or NOAA Weather Radio for Watch and Warning Bulletins.

C. Flash Flood WATCH: This means that it is possible that rains will cause flash flooding in the specified area. Be alert and prepared for a flood emergency.

D. Flash Flood WARNING: This means flash flooding is occurring or is imminent in the specified area. Move to safe ground immediately.

E. Hurricane WATCH: Hurricane conditions pose a possible threat to your area. In especially vulnerable areas, and make preparations. Listen to NOAA Weather Radio and commercial radio and television for the latest information and instructions for your location.

F. Hurricane WARNING: Hurricane conditions are expected in your area within 24 hours. Areas subject to storm surge or tides should be evacuated as well as areas which could be isolated by flood waters. Follow the instructions of local officials. You will not be asked to leave your home unless your life is threatened.

When your area receives a hurricane warning:
Leave low-lying areas.Moor your boat securely or evacuate it.
Protect your windows with boards, shutters, or tape.
Secure outdoor objects or bring them indoors.
Fuel your car.
Save several days' water supply.
Stay at home if it is sturdy and on high ground.
Leave mobile homes for more substantial shelter.
Stay indoors during the hurricane.

G. Tornadoes: A tornado is a violent whirling wind, characteristically accompanied by a funnel-shaped cloud extending down from a cumulonimbus cloud. The air pressure at the bottom of the funnel of swirling air is extremely low. When this low pressure area touches the ground, it acts like a giant vacuum cleaner. Some tornadoes even occur over water. A tornado over a lake or ocean is called a waterspout..
If a tornado "watch" is issued for your area, it means that a tornado is "possible."
If a tornado "warning" is issued, it means that a tornado has actually been spotted, or is strongly indicated on radar, and it is time to go to a safe shelter immediately. Refer to the BUILDING EVACUATION portion of this document. If you are to evacuate campus you will be notified by the proper campus authority.

H. Earthquakes: Choose a safe place in every room--under a sturdy table or desk or against an inside wall where nothing can fall on you. Drop under a sturdy desk or table, hold on, and protect your eyes by pressing your face against your arm. If there's no table or desk nearby, sit on the floor against an interior wall away from windows, bookcases, or tall furniture that could fall on you.

Weather Related Information Call 278-SNOW[7669]