Severe Weather Emergency Response Procedures

Weather Advisory/Watch

An advisory or watch is issued when conditions are favorable for a specific weather event.

Notify appropriate faculty/staff of developing weather and begin monitoring the event.

Weather Warning

A warning is issued when there is an indication of an imminent life-threatening weather event.

Notify faculty, staff, students and visitors of the situation and implement an emergency action plan.

An ASUAlert severe weather warning will be issued for tornadoes and thunderstorms containing lightning, hail and excess winds. In the event of severe weather warnings, the campus population should:

• Implement shelter-in-place and alert others.
• Shut off equipment that is not surge protected.
• Move to a designated shelter within the facility.
• Avoid areas with windows and close doors to protect shelter areas from flying debris.
• Report facility damage and/or injuries to University Police.

Storm Shelters

Storm shelter signs are posted in campus facilities, indicating established shelter areas. If you cannot get to one of the designated Storm Shelters, move to the lowest floor of the facility, away from windows, and close all the doors to prevent injury from flying debris.

• NO PLACE outside is safe when thunderstorms are in the area!
• If you hear thunder, lightning is close enough to strike you.
• When you hear thunder, immediately move to safe shelter; a building or an enclosed, metal-topped vehicle with the windows up.
• Stay in the shelter at least 30 minutes after you hear the last sound of thunder.

 Lightning Strike

• Immediately call 9-1-1 to request medical response.

• Request that someone bring the nearest automated external defibrillator (AED) unit to the scene.

• Administer first aid/emergency treatment to the extent at which you have been trained and/or are comfortable.
  • If the victim stops or has stopped breathing, administer CPR.
  • If the heart has stopped beating, turn on the AED unit and follow audio instructions.

Note: People struck by lightning carry no electrical charge and cannot shock other people.

Significant rain events occurring over a short period of time may result in the flooding of roadways/low-lying areas.

• Do not drive through standing water as the vehicle may stall, trapping you.
• Do not drive through streams as the vehicle may be swept away by floodwaters.
• Do not attempt to cross a stream where water is above your knees because you may be swept away.

Floodwaters should also be avoided because they may contain hazards, such as chemicals, large debris, sewage or downed power lines.