In preparation for the upcoming severe weather seasons, offices throughout campus are developing plans and installing weather alert radios.

Campus building coordinators have begun preparing emergency plans for every facility on campus, designating offices responsible for monitoring weather alerts, and developing evacuation and communication procedures.

"We are fast approaching the fall storm season, which is noted for producing severe thunderstorms and tornados in our area," says Jim Cobb, Environmental Health & Safety director.

"The tornado warnings last spring served as a good test for our preparedness. We found a lot of work and planning needed to be done to inform everyone about how to react if severe weather strikes our campus."

Cobb, who is working with the building coordinators, also developed a set of Tornado Warning Procedures for the campus, which was approved by the president and vice presidents in May.

The procedures, distributed to all building coordinators, include instructions for monitoring weather alerts and notifying everyone of emergency situations, identifying those in charge of coordinating emergency plans, and defining the length of time for warning periods.

Once a tornado watch is issued, those responsible for monitoring alerts should communicate that information throughout the building. If a warning is issued, warning sirens will be activated, all university activities will cease, and everyone will be instructed to seek shelter until the warning has expired.

"There are some areas on campus that, if occupied during a warning period, could be imminently dangerous," says Cobb. "Evacuation of these areas will be mandatory. Some that immediately come to mind are the concourse of Hooper Eblen Center, the OVC Room, and the large dining rooms of the grill and cafeteria."

The weather radios will be programmed to monitor alerts in Putnam, Jackson, Smith and DeKalb counties, with the ability to expand to reach several more. Each building coordinator will receive instructions with the radios.

A complete copy of the Tornado Warning Procedures is available online at www.tntech.edu/ehs/. For more information, contact Cobb at 3524 or jimcobb@tntech.edu.