Tornado and Severe Thunderstorm Procedures

Definitions:

1. Tornado Watch: A tornado watch means that conditions are favorable for the development of a tornado or severe weather. Upon notification of a tornado watch, the Principal and/or assigned designee shall make all faculty and staff members aware that weather conditions are favorable for tornado activity.

2. Tornado Warning: A warning means that a tornado has been sited or severe weather is imminent. The Principal and/or assigned designee shall immediately advise faculty and staff members that a tornado has been sited and to move their students to their designated tornado safe area within the school.

3. CODE GREY: the code used over the alert warning system that indicates that there is a tornado watch in effect.

4. CODE BLACK: the code used over the alert warning system that indicates that there is a tornado warning in effect.

Procedure for Tornado and Severe Thunderstorm Watches:

1. During a tornado watch. trained weather spotters may be posted at designated areas and shall immediately notify the office if a funnel cloud is sighted.

2. The Principal and/or assigned designee will alert teachers and staff members of the watch through the alert warning system stating that a CODE GREY in effect.

3. Based on the weather conditions. outdoor activities may be postponed by the Principal and/or assigned designee until the conditions have passed.

4. Students assigned to any portable/mobile classrooms may be moved into a main building.

5. The Principal and/or assigned designee may decide to move students, faculty, and staff away from any area containing skylights or large glass windows that may be broken by strong winds or flying debris.

6. Teachers and office personnel shall immediately close all windows, curtains. and blinds and they shall disconnect all computers within their area.

7. The Principal and/or assigned designee may opt to move students from gymnasiums. suspended walkways. any area with large span roofing, and cafeterias into areas that are more secure.

8. The Principal and/or assigned designee may delay bus transportation services until such time that the threat has passed. He/she may also elect to hold classes beyond regular dismissal times if deemed appropriate.

Procedures tor Tornado and Severe Thunderstorm Warnings:

1. The Principal and/or assigned designee shall immediately notify leachers and staff that a tornado warning is in effect by announcing over the alert warning system that a CODE BLACK is in effect.

2. The Principal and/or assigned designee shall activate the Crisis Management Team.

3. All outdoor activities shall be postponed.

4. Students in portable/mobile classrooms shall be moved to permanent structures.

5. Students in areas with large span roofing (gymnasiums or cafeterias) shall be moved to smaller rooms or hallways.

6. Teachers shaU close aU blinds, curtains. classroom doors. and disconnect or turn off computers as they move students to their designated tornado safe areas. Disabled students shall be properly assisted to the safe location.

7. Students are to activate the "buddy system" prior to leaving their area.

8. Teachers should take their classroom emergency kits and class rosters with them to verify students.

9. Students should proceed to their designated tornado safe area and get into the "tuck and hold" position with their head down, and their hands covering their heads; if possible they should get under something sturdy such as a desk or table.

10. Teachers should advise their students to remain in the designated safe area until an all-clear announcement has been issued.

11. The Principal and/or assigned designee may delay bus transportation services until such time that the threat has passed. He/she may also elect to hold classes beyond regular dismissal times if deemed appropriate.

12. Should any structural damage or personal injury occur during a natural disaster, the Principal andlor assigned designee shall immediately notify the appropriate Public Safety Agencies at 911, the Office of Security Services and Emergency Planning at 231-7095. and the Maintenance Department at 231-7015. The Communications Office shall also be contacted at 231-7504.

13. Designated maintenance and/or custodial personnel shall turn off electrical and gas supply lines should any structural damage occur to any of the buildings.

14. When an all-clear advisement has been issued. teachers shall take roll to ensure accounlability of their students and they shall return to their classroom or other area as instructed by the Principal and/or assigned designee. After reaching their destination, the teacher shall take roll again to ensure that all students are present.