Definitions
a. Tornado –
A tornado is a violent, rotating storm with winds that can exceed 300 miles per hour. The product of thunderstorms and sometimes hurricanes, they can be highly destructive.
b. Tornado Watch –
A tornado watch may be issued by the National Weather Service when conditions are favorable for the formation of tornadoes. During a tornado watch, you should be alert to changing weather conditions and the possibility of a tornado warning being issued.
c. Tornado Warning –
A tornado warning may be issued by the National Weather Service when a tornado has been sighted or when radar indicates the formation of a tornado. You should immediately take cover inside a sturdy building on the lowest floor in an interior room or hallway away from windows.
Responsibilities
· The Department of Campus Safety is responsible for notifying the campus community of this policy through the Campus Safety website (emergency.rollins.edu) and for reviewing this policy at least annually and maintaining and updating as necessary. The Department of Campus Safety maintains written documentation regarding this policy.
· The Office of Residential Life, whenever possible, is responsible for enforcing, communicating and recommending updates for the Residence Hall Tornado Safety Policies (attached.) Residential Life will alert students in residence halls of the issuance of a tornado warning and assisting them to the safest area of the building as per their internal procedures assuming it is safe to do so.
· All Department Heads, Deans, Directors and Supervisors are responsible for reviewing and enforcing this policy to those they supervise.
· All Employees and Students are responsible for familiarizing themselves with and adhering to the elements of this policy. This includes:
o Knowing what to do when a tornado watch and warning are issued
o Watch: Be alert for changing weather conditions and the possibility of tornado formation and the possibility of a tornado warning being issued
o Warning: Take cover immediately on the lowest floor inside a building in an interior room or hallway and away from windows
Tornado Watch or Warnings
a. If you are outdoors:
1. OUTREACH Siren
· The OUTREACH siren located at the South-East corner of the Cahall-Sandspur Field will be activated if the City of Winter Park believes a tornado is threatening any part of the city. This siren is tested on the first Saturday of each month at noon unless inclement weather is in the area. The siren produces an “air raid” type of wail and will sound for three full minutes in the event of an actual tornado. The siren is intended ONLY to assist in notifying persons OUTSIDE of campus buildings. You should not rely on the siren to notify you while inside. If you hear this siren any time other than the first Saturday of the month at noon, you should immediately take shelter in a building on the lowest level in an interior hallway away from windows/glass.
b. If you are indoors:
1. City of Winter Park OUTREACH emergency alert system will send a Tornado Warning alert message should city officials believe that a tornado is threatening any part of the city. OUTREACH can notify persons who are registered with the system via cell phone, home phone, text message, e-mail, etc. You should log into your Foxlink account and click on the OUTREACH link to review and update your information. If you receive a tornado warning message from OUTREACH, you should immediately seek shelter in a building on the lowest level in an interior room or hallway away from windows/glass.
2. Weather Alert Radio: Several offices on campus have weather alert radios which will activate in the event of a tornado watch or warning. Residential Life has been issued weather alert radios by the Campus Safety office for use in each campus residential facility. If you reside on campus, you are encouraged to purchase a weather radio for your room and to keep it on at all times. These radios are especially helpful when you are sleeping and may not hear other forms of notification. Additionally, the Security office monitors the weather alert radio 24 hours per day, 7 days per week.