Tornado and Severe Weather Safety
Photo by Annie Youther
Thursday morning, Matthew Brinkman issued a statement to the student body warning of severe weather in our region. President Mark Walker also issued a statement, canceling classes in the afternoon and evening.
“Rain and thunderstorms are expected off and on throughout the day with the greatest potential for severe weather mid-afternoon, late tonight, and in the early hours of Friday morning. This includes the potential of tornadoes to develop,” Brinkman stated.
“The weather forecast indicates that severe weather is moving in this afternoon and we have decided to CANCEL all classes for the rest of the day, starting at 1:15pm,” said Walker in the email.
The email also stated all offices will be closed after 2 p.m.
Channel 3 Meteorologist Alison Pryor offered tips and updates to keep people as safe as possible during the harsh weather.
In case of a tornado warning, the shelter guideline recommends a well-constructed building, home, basement or tornado storm shelter as a safe space. Pryor said it is important to be on the grand floor or basement, in a room without windows, during a tornado warning.
If a student is living on campus, each dorm or apartment has tornado safety measures and plans in place in case of emergency. An RA or RD can supply further information for each dorm or apartment if a tornado warning is issued.
Pryor encouraged students to communicate with friends and have a weather app on hand to follow the storm as it changes.
“Many students are naturally aware of the weather but perhaps a handful of friends have no idea or aren't as aware,” said Pryor, “I would suggest students text a few friends to check in for safety.”
Pryor also gave insight into a college style emergency kit, things students can have ready in case they need to move from a dorm room to a safer location:
Cell Phone, phone charger
Take a flashlight
Pillow/Blanket
Wallet, and ID
Good shoes
“I would recommend a bicycle helmet if you have one,” said Pryor. “I know you may look silly but it will keep you safe.” Pryor also suggested charging electronics as early as possible, in case of power outage.
Brinkman urged students to sign up for LEEUALERTS for push updates about severe weather. If a student is not signed up for alerts, they can do so by texting LEEUALERTS to 888777.
“Severe weather isn’t something to be scared of, but it’s something you should be prepared for,” said WRCBtv.
The Bradley County Emergency Management Office of Homeland Security sent an email to the county, announcing storm safety rooms being open to the public. For more information on the storm rooms, call the office at (423) 728-7289.
To receive alerts from the Emergency Management Office, text “join cbcema” to 30890.
For more information on safety during severe weather, see Lee’s Campus Emergency Quick Reference, WRCBtv’s article and National Weather Service’s article.
