Tornado season is quickly approaching. Do you know what to do when a tornado warning is issued for areas that include our campus?
The university will send UTAlert text and e-mail messages to all campus community subscribers and activate the emergency blue phones when a tornado warning has been issued for the campus area. Make sure you are signed up to receive UTAlert messages by visiting the website.
If the National Weather Service (NWS) issues a tornado warnings for all of Knox County, the university will monitor the potential impact on campus and issue an alert if necessary.
If the message directs you to seek shelter, please follow these steps:
- Shelter in an interior space as low in the building as possible that doesn’t have windows.
- The best available shelter in campus buildings is designated on building signage located near elevators and exits.
- Protect your head and neck. Cover your head with a sturdy object like a textbook.
- Get under a sturdy piece of furniture if available.
- Close the doors and stay inside until the tornado or the threat has passed.
- An All Clear UTAlert will be sent when the immediate threat has passed
Thunderstorms are common in the spring. The majority of these storms will not impact campus operations, but you may want to take precautions such as postponing outdoor activities. For more information about severe weather, visit the campus safety website.
For more information about what to do in other emergencies, visit safety.utk.edu.