Weather Emergencies

Tornadoes and thunderstorms and other severe weather conditions may occur with little, if any, warning. In just five minutes, a tornado may travel two to five miles on the ground. Severe thunderstorms pass nearby every year and tornadoes, while rare, do occur in Central New York. The greatest dangers from tornadoes and thunderstorms are high winds. High winds may cause:

• Roof Failure
• Breaking Glass
• Flying Debris

Tompkins Cortland Community College has developed this plan to safeguard occupants during a severe weather event. The plan is designed so that staff and students can be quickly alerted and follow a preset plan of action to maximize safety.

Weather Alert Information

The department of safety and security receives critical weather information from a NOAA weather alert radio. This radio has a “tone alert” that will receive a warning from the National Weather Service within minutes of issuance. The department also receives weather information via a satellite weather system and local television and radio broadcasts. 

Notification

The primary means of notification of a severe weather event will be the public address system.  An announcement will be issued alerting occupants to the event and, if necessary, to take immediate shelter. Additional methods of notification (E-mail, Netware alert) will be used if time permits. 

Shelter Areas on Campus

Green and white signs identify shelter locations. Shelters have been designated based on a study by Fred H. Thomas Associates, Architects and Engineers PC, using American Red Cross and FEMA guidelines. Do not leave the shelter until officially given the all clear.

The primary shelter locations are:

• Locker Rooms
• 1st Floor Restrooms
• Food Prep Lab, 150
• CADD Lab, 149
• Graphics Lab, 147
• 114, 116A, 116B, 123A, 163A & 163B
• Pool
• Corridor East of Pool

Severe Thunder Storms or Tornadoes

The College is prepared to notify the campus community via the Emergency Notification System (ENS) of severe weather emergencies.

The following terms are utilized by the National Weather Service:

Watch: Conditions are right for a severe thunder storm or tornado to develop. Continue with normal activities, but continue to monitor the weather.

Warning: Radar or weather spotters have identified a severe thunder storm or tornado. The College’s Outdoor Warning System may be activated if there is danger for the College Community.

If you are indoors:

• Know the location of the appropriate area(s) for your facility. This can be a basement or a ground floor hallway with no windows or a door frame.
• If you are unable to go to a room with no windows get under a desk or a table.
• Remain in a protected area until the threat has ceased or the danger has passed.
• Call the Office of Public Safety using 4290 from any campus phone or 607-844-6511 or 607-844-8222, ext 4290 from a cell phone to report injuries.

If you are outside:

• Try to seek shelter indoors.
• If you cannot, try to get to a protected or safe area away from buildings, windows and glass, telephone or light poles or any place where there could be falling debris.
• A low area such as a ditch or ravine or a depression works well.
• Lie face down and cover your head and face.
• Avoid any downed power lines.
• Call the Office of Public Safety to report injuries and damage.