Severe Weather & Tornado Watch or Warning

Definitions

Severe Weather or Tornado Watch

A watch is an indication of where and when the probabilities are highest that severe weather or a tornado could occur. A watch is a statement that severe weather or tornado conditions are present and could occur. The National Weather Service will issue a watch bulletin to local authorities, local radio stations and local TV stations.

Severe Weather or Tornado Warning

When severe weather or a tornado sighting occurs, the National Weather Service alerts all weather stations and local authorities. If severe weather or a tornado is approaching, a continuous sounding of emergency sirens will signal the warning.

Procedure

1. In case of severe weather: When the emergency warning sirens sound, stay calm. Everyone should immediately seek shelter in the designated areas of each building. Leave the room and close but do not lock the door. If the designated area is unknown, go to the basement or along interior walls of lower floors. Highly reinforced areas are preferred. Do not use elevators. Go to the the appropriate shelter in place severe weather gathering location for each building.
2. Stay away from all windows and exterior doors of buildings. Auditoriums, gymnasiums and similar large rooms with wide roofs should be avoided.
3. Assist people with disabilities to the nearest stairwell. If able, assist them to the lower level of buildings and to the appropriate shelter in place severe weather location for each building. If you are not able to help the disabled people exit to the lower level, exit yourself and notify first responder of their location.
4. Call 911 and state your location if the facility sustains damage or people are injured.
5. Note: The outdoor warning sirens are tested regularly in all communities.

Severe Weather or Tornado Building-Evacuation Plan

1. Listed below are the shelter in place severe weather gathering locations by building, in the event that the building needs to be evacuated because of severe weather or tornado:
   • Overland Park campus, 7301 College Boulevard: interior classrooms 103, 105, 111 and 115 on first floor
   • Topeka campus: interior classrooms 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7
   • Lee’s Summit campus: interior classroom 5 and interior conference room
   • Northland campus: interior classroom 3 and 4
   • Wichita campus: interior classrooms 5, 6 and 7
2. The Command Center Team will determine a further plan of action. Contact your supervisor, director, dean or vice president of your area.
3. If approached by the media, please refer them to the public relations director, 785.594.8330. Do not make other statements. Especially do not say “no comment.” It is okay to tell the media, “I do not have that information right now. Please give me your number and your call will be returned."