|
weather safety |
|
Suitable protective areas have been identified within each university
housing center. To protect persons using these spaces against airborne
debris, particularly glass and wood splinters, all doors opening into
the protective spaces should be closed while in use for a severe
weather protective area. OU Housing staff provides residents with
annual severe weather safety training/information and OU housing
centers maintain/monitor NOAA S.A.M.E. weather radios. Residents with
questions regarding severe weather emergency procedures or designated
protective areas in their housing center should contact OU Housing and
Food Services, 325-2511.
For further weather related safety information, please click here.
Residence Halls
In the event of National Weather Service "Tornado Watches" or "Tornado Warning" for Cleveland County, Walker, Couch and Adams centers have voice-notification announcements for tornado watches and warnings through the H&F emergency command systems. Cate Center will have the same system installed no later than Fall 2008.
When a "tornado watch" is issued in the Norman area, a voice announcement throughout the residence halls advises residents to be aware of the weather conditions and encourages them to stay tuned to local radio/television stations.
When a "tornado warning" is issued in the Norman area, a voice announcement throughout the residence halls advises residents to take immediate precautions. The city of Norman civil defense warning siren network will sound when imminent danger from tornadoes is present. The sirens will simultaneously activate the voice announcement in the residence halls.
Also, OU Housing staff will post a warning/watch-"specific" notification sign on the first floor of each residence hall building, and in elevator cars, alerting residents to "stay tuned" to weather conditions on TV/radio. Residence Life staff will monitor the NOAA "S.A.M.E." weather radio in each Duty Office.
In the event of a National Weather Service "Tornado Warning" for our area, students living
in University residence halls are advised to follow the emergency
response procedures permanently posted in the elevator lobbies, hallways, or the back side of residents' room doors, maintain personal safety and encourage movement of other residents to safe and secure areas.
University Apartments
Residents of University apartments are encouraged to follow these
National Weather Service suggestions for occupants of houses and
apartments without basements: "Avoid windows. Go to the lowest floor,
small center room (like a bathroom or closet), under a stairwell, or in
an interior hallway with no windows. Crouch as low as possible to the
floor, facing down; and cover your head with your hands. A bathtub may
offer a shell of partial protection. Even in an interior room, you
should cover yourself with some sort of thick padding (mattress,
blankets, etc.), to protect against falling debris in case the roof and
ceiling fail."
Plan ahead! Know where you can seek refuge in a matter of seconds, and
practice an apartment "tornado drill" with your roommates at least once
a year. Have a pre-determined place to meet after a disaster.
Flying debris is the greatest danger in tornadoes - so store protective
padding/coverings (mattress, blankets, sleeping bags, etc.) in or next
to your refuge space, ready to use on a few seconds' notice. If you've
created a "severe weather emergency kit" (described later on this
web page), your "planned" refuge area would be a good place to store
your kit!
When a Tornado Watch is issued, think about your "tornado drill" and
check to make sure all your safety supplies are handy. Turn on local
TV, radio or NOAA Weather Radio and stay alert for Warnings.
Avoid windows! Forget about the old notion of opening windows to
equalize pressure; a tornado will blow open the windows for you!
However, do close all doors between your refuge area and adjacent areas
with windows - to help limit flying debris.
Sooner Hotel & Suites
Safe Spots:
Sooner Hotel — the corridor of the first floor, near the center of the building
Sooner Suites — the bathroom or center hallway in each suite, or the
corridor of the first floor of Sooner House Hotel near the center of
the building
|
|
|
