University of Kentucky
SEVERE WEATHER GUIDE

SEVERE WEATHER DEFINITIONS

Tornado...
A violently rotating column of air produced by a Severe-Thunderstorm and in contact with the ground.
Severe Thunderstorm...
A thunderstorm with winds of 58mph or more and/or hail with a diameter of 3/4" or more.
Tornado Watch...
Tornadoes and severe thunderstorms are possible.  Usually 4 to 6 hours in duration
Tornado Warning...
Tornado detected/spotted; Take shelter immediately. Usually 15 to 20 minutes in duration.
How to recognize a tornado...
Usually a funnel-shaped cloud, spinning rapidly, and extending toward the earth from the base of a thunderstorm.  Look for debris rotating near the ground...

TORNADO SAFETY RULES

  1. Read and become familiar with the University of Kentucky policy on emergency situations.
  2. In the event of a tornado, follow the emergency procedures developed for your specific work situation.
  3. Follow the general guidelines below as a general safety guide.

IN A VEHICLE...

  • Do not try to out-run a tornado. If available, take shelter in a nearby sturdy building. Otherwise, get in the nearest ditch or depression, away from the vehicle, until the tornado passes.

IN EDUCATIONAL BUILDINGS...

  • Go to a pre-designated shelter area if available, otherwise seek shelter on the lowest floor of a building of reinforced construction.
  • Stay inside, away from all doors, windows and outside walls.
  • Avoid large auditoriums and gymnasiums.

IN PORTABLE OFFICES...

  • Mobile or portable offices, even with tie downs, are no match for a tornado. Seek shelter in a more substantial building or lie flat in a ditch or depression away from the structure..

IN OPEN COUNTRY...

  • Move away from the tornado's path at a right angle. If there is no time to escape, lie flat in the nearest ditch or depression away from trees and power poles.

IN DORMS, AND RESIDENTIAL HOUSING...

  • Go to a pre-designated shelter area.  Interior hallways on the lowest floor are best.  Stay away from windows.  In multi-story buildings, go to interior small room or hallways on the lowest floor possible with no windows.  If you can see outside, you are not safe.
  • Keep away from doors, windows and outside walls.
  • Keep away from objects that may fall. PROTECT YOUR HEAD!

IN OFFICE BUILDINGS...

  • Get in an interior hallway on a lower floor, preferably a basement.
  • Interior Stairwell with no windows, or an interior bathroom are good.
  • Keep away from doors, windows and outside walls.

EMERGENCY KITS

  • You should prepare an Emergency Preparedness Kit and it should include the following:
    • Flashlight, with spare batteries
    • Whistle
    • AM/FM Radio (Battery Powered) with spare batteries
    • First Aid Kit
    • Important Phone Numbers; your emergency contact, University of Kentucky Emergency Numbers, family numbers.

PHONE NUMBERS

  • University of Kentucky Emergency Number: 911
  • University of Kentucky, Environmental Health and Safety: 257-3241
  • University of Kentucky Fire Marshal: 257-6326
  • University of Kentucky Police: 257-1616