The Division of Public Safety encourages members of the Case Western Reserve University community to beware of tornadoes, which are violently rotating columns of air that can flip cars and create flying debris. Tornadoes can happen anytime and anywhere; they look like funnels.
The division offers the following information and tips to help community members be prepared for such weather conditions:
- Know the warning communications.
- Tornado watch: Conditions are favorable for a tornado.
- Tornado warning: A tornado has been spotted in the county. Seek shelter immediately.
- Warning sirens: Initiates during a tornado warning and will sound for three minutes followed by seven minutes of silence.
- If you are inside, take the following precautions:
- Try to remain calm.
- Move to the lowest level of the building, preferably in the middle of the building away from doors and windows.
- If you cannot make it to the lowest level, seek shelter in a small room under a table or something sturdy.
- Do not use elevators.
- If you are outside, take the following steps:
- Try to remain calm.
- Find any nearby building to enter.
- If you cannot find a building to enter, find a ditch, streambed or ravine to lie flat with your head covered.
- Never use overpasses as a cover during a tornado.
- Never open car windows to equalize pressure.