Severe Weather/Tornado
Severe weather can be accompanied by high winds, downed trees, and swollen creeks. An emergency
response is required when this type of weather poses any risk to the staff and students. Assure that each
student’s method of returning home is safe and reliable. School should follow the Department of School
Safety Drill Schedule to ensure students are familiar with the tornado alarm and the actions they should
take during a real event.
DEFINITIONS:
Severe Thunderstorm Watch
This is issued by the National Weather Service when conditions are favorable for the
development of severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch area.
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
This is issued when either a severe thunderstorm is indicated by the WSR-88D radar or a
spotter reports a thunderstorm producing hail one inch or larger in diameter and/or winds
equal or exceed 58 miles an hour;
Tornado Watch
This is issued by the National Weather Service when conditions are favorable for the
development of tornadoes in and close to the watch area.
Tornado Warning
This is issued when a tornado is indicated by the WSR-88D radar or sighted by spotters;
therefore, people in the affected area should seek safe shelter immediately. They can be
issued without a Tornado Watch being already in effect.
(Source: National Weather Service)
SEVERE STORM
PRINCIPAL/SITE ADMINISTRATOR ACTIONS:

Assume Incident Command and monitor weather forecasts and weather-related
communications, including NOAA Weather Radio or NWS Web-Site at
www.weather.gov/atlanta, to determine onset of storm conditions that may affect school
operations.

Notify Department of School Safety if damage to building or unsafe issues arise due to
severe weather. The Department of School Safety, who will contact the Superintendent,
Public Information Officer and the Safety Management and Emergency Response Team, as
needed.

Prepare to bring mobile classrooms inside of building.

Notify staff members of impeding severe weather, when appropriate.

Notify Facilities or Maintenance Department of any break or suspected break in utility
lines.

Take appropriate action to safeguard staff, students and school property.

Upon passage of the storm, return to normal routine.

If severe weather occurs after school hours report to school by 6 a.m. to check for power
outages, flooding, etc. Notify Department of School Safety and Facilities Department if there
are utility failures or flooding.
SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH: (1) Make sure the Weather Alert radio is on; (2) Monitor
weather reports and local conditions; and (3) Conduct classes in a routine manner.
SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING: (1) Make sure the Weather Alert radio is on; (2) Monitor
weather reports and local conditions; and (3) Evacuate mobile classrooms and bring all persons
inside a sturdy building; (4) Conduct classes in an improvised manner.
TORNADO
PRINCIPAL/SITE ADMINISTRATOR ACTIONS:

Assume Incident Command and monitor weather forecasts and weather-related
communications, including NOAA Weather Radio or NWS Web-Site at
www.weather.gov/atlanta, to determine onset of storm conditions that may affect school
operations.

Notify Department of School Safety if damage to building or unsafe issues arise due to
severe weather. The Department of School Safety, who will contact the Superintendent,
Public Information Officer and the Safety Management and Emergency Response Team, as
needed.

Monitor weather forecasts to determine onset of storm conditions that may affect school
operations

Notify Facilities or Maintenance Department of any break or suspected break in utility
lines.

Keep staff and students in sheltered areas of the building until winds have subsided and it
is safe to return to the classroom.

Take appropriate action to safeguard staff, students and school property.

Call 911 and SRO to report injuries, missing students or structural damage.

Prepare to bring mobile classrooms inside of building.

Prepare to move special needs students to Tornado Safe Areas.

Upon passage of the storm, return to normal routine.
TORNADO WARNING: (1) Sound the Tornado Alarm; (2) Immediately move students, staff and
visitors to a designated Tornado Safe Area; (3) Students should sit on floor with backs against the
wall; (4) If local conditions are not safe, give the TAKE COVER command utilizing the school’s PA
system and two-way radios.
TORNADO WATCH: (1) Do not sound the alarm; (2) Make sure the Weather Alert radio is on and
functioning properly; (3) Monitor weather reports and local conditions; (4) Prepare to evacuate
trailers and bring all persons inside a sturdy building before weather conditions prevent a safe
evacuation; and (5) Conduct classes in an improvised manner.
STAFF ACTIONS:

Evacuate designated classrooms and proceed to planned Tornado Safe Area. Evacuate to
the lower floor of the school building near inside walls. Classrooms without exterior
windows may also be utilized for Tornado Safe Areas.

When directed initiate TAKE COVER with students in the tornado safe areas within the
building. Stay away from windows.

Take attendance. Report any missing students to principal/site administrator.

Close all blinds and curtains.


Avoid auditoriums, gymnasiums and other structures with large roof spans.
Remain with students near an inside wall or on lower floors of the building. Make
arrangements for special needs, snacks and quiet recreational activities.