Tornado Drill

March 18, 2008

Governor Tim Kaine has proclaimed Tuesday, March 18th to be Tornado Preparedness Day. All state agencies throughout the Commonwealth have been encouraged to participate in the Statewide Tornado Drill on that day beginning at 0945. The University of Virginia will participate in Tornado Preparedness Day by exercising a brief (10 minute) drill. There are two objectives for this drill:

1. Learn what to do if a tornado warning is issued
2. Test the UVaAlerts text message, email and LCD screen display systems; instructions will be given to note the time and method of notification and complete a VERY BRIEF survey after the drill.

Tornado Drill Survey

Please take this short survey: http://uva.inquisiteasp.com/cgi-bin/qwebcorporate.dll?idx=49G2KG

Specifics for the Exercise, Tuesday, March 18th

Responding to a drill should never compromise a critical activity. If your class is engaged with a guest speaker, presentation, test or exam, participate as close to 0945 as possible. Faculty may discuss the drill at the beginning of class to avoid being interrupted. You need not physically move from class, but should indicate actions to take, if this were a true tornado warning. Staff and students not in meetings or class should either practice moving to a safe location or pause to consider where they would shelter from a tornado at that moment.

What You Need to Know

Tornadoes can happen anytime, anywhere, with little or no warning. The devastation in the last few weeks from tornados has affected whole communities including universities, healthcare clinics, hospitals and schools. In recent years, our area has experienced tornadic activity. This drill is an opportunity to educate and prepare students, faculty and staff for a tornado emergency. Knowing what to do when seconds count can save lives.

NOAA weather radios are constantly monitored by the local Emergency Operations Center. Information is received and planned action is taken when a watch is issued.

• A tornado watch is issued when conditions are right for a tornado to form
• A tornado warning indicates that a tornado has been spotted or indicated by radar and is approaching the area. You will receive notification at this point and should shelter in place (take cover in your present location).

Shelter in Place - Tornado

Your Response:

• Advise those planning to exit the building to remain inside—DO NOT RUN OUTSIDE!
• Instruct students, visitors and personnel to move to the lowest interior spaces available, away from windows. If time does not permit movement, instruct all persons to take cover under beds, tables, against interior walls and crouch as low as possible to the floor, facing down and cover your head with your hands.
• DO NOT use elevators.
• DO NOT use any open flame devices (matches, burners, cigarettes, etc.)
• DO NOT run through hallways or venture outside the building. The greatest danger from falling debris is just outside the doorway and near the outer walls.
• Follow all instructions issued.

Once the Tornado Passes:

• Check for injuries; follow treatment procedures as instructed.
• DO NOT use any open flame devices or utilities until the building has been inspected for broken gas and water lines and declared safe.
• If gas is smelled, open windows if possible, evacuate and report to appropriate authorities.
• DO NOT use cell phones except for emergencies.
• Prepare to evacuate the building if instructed to do so.

For Additional Planning Information Visit:

http://www.vaemergency.com/threats/tornado/tornrespond.CFM

Thank You for Your Participation

Questions regarding this drill can be addressed directly to the Office of Emergency Preparedness Director, Marge Sidebottom at 4-8745 or 531-5758.