Tornado Information at MTSU

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q: What's the most important thing to remember when a tornado warning occurs?

A: Remain calm.

Q: What is the difference between a Tornado Watch and a Tornado Warning?

A: A Tornado Watch simply means conditions are right for tornadoes to develop. A Tornado Warning means an actual tornado has been sighted. We will issue a "Take Shelter Alert"; ONLY when there is a Tornado Warning issued for Rutherford County.

Q: Will the administration fully support the efforts of the Building Runners as they (a) interrupt a class in session and/or (b) assure students to remain where they are during a tornado warning even though the students may fear being penalized for being late to class or missing a test?

A: Yes. The administration is totally supportive of this tornado-alert plan and what measures must be taken to ensure the safety of everyone.

Q: Should we use elevators during a tornado warning?

A: As a general rule, no. However, if it is necessary to help someone such as a wheelchair-bound individual to reach a place of safety in a timely fashion, use the elevator. But people should not crowd into an elevator when stairs are available—in case of a power outage.

Q: What should we do if there is a person with disabilities who needs assistance?

A: By all means, the professor and classmates should heed the Good Samaritan concept and help that person reach a place of safety, whether it requires lending a hand or arm or carrying him or her. If necessary, use an elevator to get that person to the safest area in the building.

Q: As a Building Runner, what items should I have in my office that would be helpful?

A: If you have them or can acquire them, you should have a flashlight or two, weather alert radio, and access to a TV or radio. Any electronic devices will help you gain access to timely severe weather reports and even a tornado warning. (When you head to the safest area in your building, make sure to take your flashlight and cell phone with you—and your weather radio, if you have one.)

Q: Should I wait to make my Building Runner rounds until I get a "Take Shelter"; e-mail alert from Public Safety?

A: Only if you have no other means of knowing there is a tornado warning. If you hear the campus tornado siren or hear that a tornado warning has been issued for Rutherford County on a radio or TV, you should start making your rounds. No need to wait for the email alert.

Q: As a Building Runner, should I notify all offices in my designated area, whether it's ARAMARK, the post office, or another auxiliary operation?

A: Yes, everyone. Even though the ARAMARK main office will notify the dining venues on campus, it won't hurt to notify people more than once.

Q: As a Building Runner, am I allowed to use a whistle or some other noisemaker if I am assigned to a long hallway of offices and classrooms?

A: It's up to you and the other Runners in your building. But if you do use a whistle to help alert people, you should let all faculty and staff on your floor (or in your building) know. It should be common knowledge in your building or on your floor that Building Runners may use additional alert devices. However, you should try hard to go door to door in addition to sounding a whistle or another noisemaker.

Q: Who should issue an "All Clear"; in my building?

A: Only the Building Runners or those who have been entrusted with that responsibility by the Building Runners. Professors and other staff should not be issuing an All Clear—even though they may be anxious to get back to their office or classroom.

Q: How will I know that it's OK to send people back to their offices and classrooms?

A: If you have a weather alert radio or access to a TV or radio and you hear that the warning has ended for Rutherford County, go ahead and let people return to their rooms. If you do not have access to those things, wait 20 minutes then use your cell or nearest office phone to call MTSU Public Safety at 2424 to find out if there is an "all clear."; You may need to call several times because many people may be trying to call.

Q: Are we allowed to go home during a tornado warning?

A: First, you need to check with your supervisor. (And Building Runners should tell anyone who asks to check with his or her supervisor.) In addition, if you leave campus, you do so with the understanding that you are taking personal leave—and thus, you are responsible for your own safety once off campus.

Q: Does this plan pertain to night classes?

A: No. This plan strictly applies to weekdays during regular business hours. For those who attend night classes or weekend events on campus, please access the university Web site and click on "Tornado Information"; under "MTSU News."; Then click on "Campus Buildings Safest Places"; to find out where you should go for shelter in any particular building.

Q: What should we do when we have groups in our building from off campus and they are being chaperoned by MTSU students or other staff?

A: Once again, whether it's CUSTOMS, Girls State, TSSAA or any other organized event on campus, organizers should become acquainted with the "Safest Places"; in all buildings that will be used. Just access the above Web site.

Q: Where can I find the list of "Safest Places";?

A: Go to the university Web site at www.mtsu.edu, then click on "Tornado Information"; under "MTSU News."; That will take you to several documents, including "Campus Buildings Safest Places.";

Q: If there is a tornado warning ANYWHERE in Rutherford County, is that also a tornado warning for MTSU?

A: Yes.

Q: What should we do if the designated "safest area"; in our building is not large enough for all the people who happen to be in that building at a given time?

A: Use your best judgment. Once the "safest area"; is full, look for the next best shelter area away from windows and potential flying objects. Always look for interior walls and areas surrounded by steel infrastructure, such as a bathroom. (It would be wise to scout out those alternative areas right now.)

Q: Should we heed the tornado siren?

A: Yes. If you are outside, you should enter the nearest building. If you are a Building Runner and you are able to hear the siren and the voice announcing "Tornado, Seek Shelter,"; you should take action. Afterwards, if you hear the tornado siren enunciate an "All Clear,"; you may send people back to their offices and classrooms.

Q: What if we cannot hear the tornado siren?

A: As a Building Runner, you will receive a "Take Shelter Alert"; via email, and you should take action. As far as an "All Clear,"; as a rule of thumb, wait 20 minutes, then call Public Safety (2424) to make sure it is all right to send people back to their offices and classrooms. If you have a weather radio in your office, you can take your cues from that regarding a warning and an all-clear. (If you have a TV in your office, you may want to have it on during a day of severe weather.)

Q: Should I ever call 911?

A: Yes, if someone in your area is injured. If you call 911 on a campus phone, you will reach MTSU Public Safety. You will also reach MTSU Public Safety by dialing 898-2424 on either a campus or cell phone. If you call 911 on your cell phone, you will likely reach the City Police Department.

Q: Would it be OK to lock our office door during a tornado drill or actual alert?

A: Yes.

Q: Do the shuttles continue to run during a tornado warning?

A: No.

Tornado Protection (pdf)