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 McLean County Emergency Management Agency when atmospheric conditions are such that a tornado could develop in the McLean County Area. 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" (For a listing of Tornado Shelter locations please reference the Tornado Shelter Location Maps in the "Resources" section on this page). Personnel should also monitor the local TV and radio stations.
What does it mean when a Tornado Warning is issued?
In the event a tornado is imminent to the Bloomington/Normal area, the McLean County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) will issue a "Tornado Warning" and activate the community outdoor warning sirens. On campus, a "Tornado Warning" will be issued over the ISU Emergency Alert System by the University Police Department (UPD). A "Tornado Warning" will only be issued for the campus community when McLean County EMA issues a "Tornado Warning" 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. . The steam whistle on the University Heating Plant will also sound during a warning.
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 UPD.
What do I do when a Tornado Warning is issued?
- Take shelter: Immediately move to the pre-designated tornado shelter area for the building you are in
(For a listing of Tornado Shelter locations please reference the Tornado Shelter Location Maps in the "Resources" section on this page). If you are unsure of the shelter location, move to a place of greater safety such as inner hallways, stairwells, underground structures, restrooms or other areas that are directly supported and relatively free from exterior windows and glass. If you are the last one out, be sure to close and secure doors as you leave.
- Residence Halls: move to inner stairwells, basements, 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.
- Classrooms, Offices and 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.
- Off Campus Housing: In off campus housing areas such as Shelbourne or Cardinal Court, evacuate the upper floor of the building and move to the center of a ground floor living area, near an interior support wall. When possible, use heavy furniture, such as a large desk, to shield yourself from falling and flying debris.
- Exterior Locations: If you are caught 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 (flying debris causes most deaths and injuries during a tornado). If you are on flat ground and are caught in the path of a tornado, always move at right angles to its path.
- Areas to avoid: 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.
- Cover up: 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.
- Emergency Equipment: 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.
- Wait for all clear: 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 EHS at 438-8325.
