Tornadoes
Illinois is located in the area of the United States that has the highest percentage of tornado activity. Illinois is ranked eighth in tornado frequency and first in tornado deaths.
What does it mean when a Tornado Watch is issued?
A tornado watch will be issued by Environmental Health and Safety when atmospheric conditions are such that a tornado could develop near the University community. During a tornado watch university personnel should be aware of changing weather conditions, and should be prepared to move to a place of safety if the tornado watch should be upgraded to a tornado warning. Personnel should also monitor the local TV and radio stations.
What does it mean when a Tornado Warning is issued?
A tornado warning will be issued by Environmental Health and Safety ONLY when a tornado has actually been sighted in the immediate campus area, or when radar or Emergency Services spotters indicate a tornado is approaching close to the University and poses an actual threat to the University community. If a tornado warning is issued by Environmental Health and Safety, shelter should be sought immediately. In addition to the tornado warning issued by Environmental Health and Safety, the whistle on the University Heating Plant and the sirens in Bloomington-Normal will sound.
SPECIAL NOTE: A tornado warning may be issued by other agencies for other areas of the State or County, but a tornado warning directly affecting the University will only be issued by Environmental Health and Safety.
What do I do when a Tornado Warning is issued?
- Immediately move from your classroom, work area, office, or residence hall room to a place of greater safety, closing and securing doors as you leave.
- In residence halls, move into the inner hallways, inner stairwells, bathrooms, or the utility rooms found on most residence halls floors. Avoid the top floor of the building and areas with exterior windows or glass.
- In classrooms, offices, or work areas, move into inner hallways, stairwells, underground tunnels, rest rooms, or other areas which are directly supported and which are relatively free from exterior windows and glass. Avoid the top floor of the building.
- In areas such as Shelbourne or Cardinal Court, leave the upper floor of the building. Move to the center of a ground floor apartment, near an interior support wall. When possible, use heavy furniture, such as a large desk, to shield yourself from falling and flying debris.
- If you are outside during a tornado warning and do not have time to move inside for shelter, try to find a ditch or other low spot below grade level where you can lie. If you are on flat ground and are caught in the path of a tornado, always move at right angles to its path.
- Always avoid the top floor of a building and areas such as an elevator, a lobby, a gymnasium, an auditorium, or a food service, any one of which may be glass enclosed or which may have a large unsupported roof.
- If you are wearing a heavy jacket or have access to a blanket or other heavy cloth material, use these items to cover your upper body and face. This will help protect you from any flying glass or debris. When possible, try to stay close to the floor.
- If time permits, take a flashlight and a small battery powered transistor radio with you when you move to a place of shelter. Local radio stations will provide you with first hand weather information and the flashlight will provide you with a source of light should the electrical power fail.
- Always remain in a place of shelter until you receive the all clear message or until you are sure the tornado has passed.
Additional Information
Additional information on procedures and responsibilities can be obtained by contacting Environmental Health and Safety.
Note: Maps identifying tornado shelter locations are now available for viewing. To view maps please go to the Resources box on the upper right corner of this page. If you have any questions with regard tornado shelter locations in your area, please contact OEHS at 438-8325.
