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Severe Weather Information

During the spring and summer months conditions that create severe weather such as thunderstorms, lightning strikes and tornadoes may develop at any time. In our region of the country it is possible to have severe weather at any time of year.

 

Severe Weather Safety

Conditions that create severe weather -- such as thunderstorms, high winds, lightning and tornadoes -- may develop at any time.

All members of the Lander University campus should be familiar with these types of weather conditions and the proper procedures for seeking shelter during severe weather activity.

Watch Vs. Warning

  • A watch(tornado watch, thunderstorm watch) means this particular type of weather is possible in and near the watch area. You should remain alert to rapidly changing conditions and be ready to act quickly if a warning is issued.
  • A warning(tornado warning, thunderstorm warning) means that particular type of weather is occurring – i.e., a tornado has been sighted or severe thunderstorm is expected. You should seek shelter immediately.

During a tornado warning or a very severe thunderstorm warning, the University will activate its emergency warning sirens, as well as activate the LU Alert mass notification system. Act immediately to find suitable shelter.

Shelter Locations

In the event of a tornado warning all employees, students, and visitors should seek shelter indoors and away from windows. Shelter in ground floor and basement areas are preferred in a tornado.
All occupants of the art studio should seek shelter in Genesis Hall
Occupants should seek shelter in internal corridors and classrooms
Occupants should go to rooms on the first floor and seek shelter in a bathroom or closet.
Occupants should go to the bottom floor and seek shelter at the base of the central stairwell and laundry room. Occupants are advised to close all doors and stay away from glass.

Occupants should seek shelter in the following locations:

  • 1st Floor: Financial Aid Office Corridor, Restrooms, Classrooms adjacent to Media Center, Business Office Corridor.
  • 2nd Floor: Restrooms and interior corridors away from windows and exterior doors.
  • Mezzanine & 3rd Floor: No suitable shelter on the mezzanine or 3rd floor. Occupants should seek shelter on a lower level.
Occupants should seek shelter on the first floor in corridors and restrooms.
Occupants should seek shelter in the bathroom area or living room, taking the time to close doors to the bedrooms.
Occupants should go to the first floor hallways, close all doors, and assume the crouched, covered position.
No suitable shelter on the 3rd floor. Occupants should seek shelter in the plaza level stair in front of the Book Store leading to the cafeteria. Occupants may also relocate to the back hallway of the dining hall and in 1st floor restrooms. Kitchen staff may seek shelter in the kitchen restrooms. Student Affairs Staff may shelter in the Book Store. Book Store staff should shelter in the office area of the Book Store.
Wellness Center employees may seek shelter in the Counseling reception area. Academic Success Center employees may seek shelter in the restrooms and main corridor. Employees and students seeking shelter from the Art Annex may shelter in the main corridor of Genesis Hall.
Occupants should seek shelter in the locker room corridors on the 1st floor or the basement corridor. All occupants should avoid lobby areas and the arena.
All occupants seek shelter on the lower level near the stairwell in the Computer Commons of Jackson Library.
Teams will take shelter in the Fieldhouse locker rooms and spectators will take shelter in the restrooms at the main concourse between the baseball and softball fields.
Occupants should go to rooms on the first floor and seek shelter in a bathroom or closet.
All occupants should seek shelter in interior offices away from doors and windows or restrooms.
All occupants should seek shelter in the bathroom/hallway area of the apartment.
Occupants should go to the interior hallways, away from all glass, close all doors, and assume the crouched, covered position.
Occupants should seek shelter in the corridors around the racquetball courts, restrooms, and Human Performance Lab.
Occupants should seek shelter on the 1st floor corridors of the Biology and Chemistry wings as well as 1st floor restrooms.
Occupants should seek shelter in the bathroom, taking care to close all doors leading to the bathroom.
Occupants should go to the first floor and seek shelter in a bathroom or closet.
Occupants should go to the first floor and seek shelter in a bathroom, taking care to close all doors leading to the bathroom.

Protect Yourself

A tornado warning or severe weather warning is serious. Take immediate action to protect yourself by following these guidelines:

  • Stay away from glass windows, and sit close to corridor walls.  Cover your body to protect it from flying debris, and cover your head and face with your arms.
  • If outdoors, move quickly to ground floor of a building or seek refuge in a ditch. Caution: Avoid power or utility lines and trees, as they can be energized.
  • If in an automobile, stop in the safest place available, preferably away from power lines and trees. Stop as quickly as safety permits, exit the vehicle and seek suitable shelter.
  • After the storm passes, evaluate the situation and, if emergency help is necessary contact University Police. Call from on-campus at 8911, or by cell at (864) 388-8911. Note: During the severe weather event, please do not call University Police unless there are injuries in your area or you need immediate assistance. 
  • Report damaged facilities to University Police or Physical Plant. Note: Gas leaks and power failures create special hazards. Please refer to the section on utility failures.
  • If the building you are in is evacuated by University officials or the fire alarm sounds, walk quickly to the nearest safe exit and ask others to do the same. Assist the disabled in exiting the building.
    • After a severe weather is over, remain in the building until given the all clear to exit the building. Due to the probability of power lines being down, you may be asked to remain indoors.
    • Once outside, move to the assembly area away from the affected building. Keep streets and walkways clear for emergency vehicles and crews. Know your assembly location.
    • An Emergency Operations Center may be set up near the disaster site. Keep clear of the area unless you have official business.
    • Do not return to an evacuated building unless told to do so by University Police or University Administration.