UW-Stout Severe Weather / Tornado Safety Procedures
National Weather Service Definitions: Warnings
Conditions are occurring or imminent
Tornado
Severe
Thunderstorm
A severe thunderstorm has developed and has either produced a tornado or
radar has indicated intense low level rotation in the presence of atmospheric
conditions conducive to tornado development
A severe thunderstorm has developed, capable of producing hail greater
than 1 inch in diameter and/or 50 knot (58 mph) wind speeds
Watches
Conditions are favorable or expected, but are not occurring or imminent
Tornado
Severe
Thunderstorm
Atmospheric conditions are favorable for the development of severe
thunderstorms capable of producing tornadoes
Atmospheric conditions are favorable for the development of severe
thunderstorms, producing at least 1 inch diameter hail and/or 50 knot (58
mph) or greater wind speeds
 Dunn County severe weather sirens and National Weather Service weather radios sound an alert for tornado warnings and for severe thunderstorm warnings (red boxes above).  UW‐Stout guidance is that all persons should seek shelter if either of these warnings occur. Instructors or leaders of camps or special events are responsible for helping their classes seek shelter, if they are not already in a safe indoor space. “Safe spaces” means the inside, in the lower levels of buildings, in spaces away from windows. Auditoriums, gymnasiums, and similar large rooms with wide roofs should be avoided, if possible. Rooms and hallways with close walls – especially concrete block – are safer.  When evacuating to a safe space, take a weather radio, smart phone or laptop device with you so you will know when the warning expires. Weather alerts do not sound any “all clear” signals, so you need to observe the warning expiration time and then go to observe the weather on your own to see if the threat is over. Severe Weather Siren Testing and Drills
 Dunn County / City of Menomonie severe weather sirens are tested the first Monday of the month at 10:00 AM, from April through October. These sirens are designed for people outdoors, to alert them of severe weather. They are sounded for both tornado warnings and for severe thunderstorm warnings (see definitions on procedures section).  National Weather Service /NOAA weather radios are tested on Wednesdays, at approximately 1:00 PM each week, throughout the year. If severe weather is possible near the time of the test, they may delay tests or sound them earlier in the day.  UW‐Stout Health & Safety advises departments to hold a tornado drill at least once a year, preferably in April, May or June. Use either the City siren test or a weekly NOAA weather radio test as your cue (note‐ weather radios may have to be set to “Weekly Test – ON”).  Departments that wish to alert staff in their buildings may use any means of communication available to them, as long as they focus on timeliness – in tornado situations you typically have just a few minutes to react and go to shelter. If your department does not have an intercom system, an air horn is often a good signal for tornado warnings. Building fire alarms cannot be used since they are for evacuations out of buildings, not within buildings.  Call Health & Safety at 232‐1793 if you want assistance with making a tornado plan or holding a tornado drill. Tornado Safety Tips: National Weather Service & Ready Wisconsin
What YOU Can Do
Before the Storm:






Develop a plan for you and your family for home, work, school and when outdoors.
Have frequent drills.
Know the county in which you live, and keep a highway map nearby to follow storm movement from weather bulletins.
Have a NOAA Weather Radio with a warning alarm tone and battery back-up to receive warnings.
Listen to radio and television for information.
If planning a trip outdoors, listen to the latest forecasts and take necessary action if threatening weather is possible.
If a Tornado Warning is issued or if threatening weather approaches:




In a home or building, move to a pre-designated shelter, such as a basement.
If an underground shelter is not available, move to an interior room or hallway on the lowest floor and get under a sturdy piece
of furniture.
Stay away from windows.
If you are caught outdoors, seek shelter in a basement, shelter or sturdy building. If you cannot quickly walk to a shelter:
o Immediately get into a vehicle, buckle your seat belt and try to drive to the closest sturdy shelter.
o If flying debris hits your vehicle while you are driving, pull over and park.
Now you have the following options as a last resort:
Stay in the car with the seat belt on. Put your head down below the windows, covering with your hands and a blanket
if possible.
o If you can safely get noticeably lower than the level of the roadway, exit your car and lie in that area, covering your
head with your hands.
o Your choice should be driven by your specific circumstances.
Mobile homes, even if tied down, offer little protection from tornadoes and should be abandoned.
Occasionally, tornadoes develop so rapidly that advance warning is not possible. Remain alert for signs of an approaching
tornado. Flying debris from tornadoes causes most deaths and injuries.
o


It's Up To YOU!
Each year, many people are killed or seriously injured by tornadoes despite advance warning. Some did not hear the warning while
others received the warning but did not believe a tornado would actually affect them. The preparedness information in this brochure,
combined with timely severe weather watches and warnings, could save your life in the event a tornado threatens your area. After you
have received the warning or observed threatening skies, YOU must make the decision to seek shelter before the storm arrives. It could
be the most important decision you will ever make.
Who's Most At Risk?





People in mobile homes
The elderly, very young, and the physically or mentally impaired
People who may not understand the warning due to a language barrier
People in an unfamiliar place such as tourists
People that are outdoors
Tornado Safety Information from Ready Wisconsin, including cell phone alerts from
the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS): http://ready.wi.gov/