Severe Weather

The following procedures should be followed in case of a Natural Disaster and/or in the event of Severe Weather:

Tornado

A tornado watch is a forecast of the possibility of one or more tornados in a large area. Continue normal activities but monitor for further alerts and watch for tornadoes.

A tornado warning means that a tornado has been detected and is approaching the area. The following guidelines should be followed:

1. If a tornado warning has been issued, the Public Warning Signal will be activated. The public warning signal is a five minute steady blast of the emergency preparedness sirens. The signal may be repeated if necessary. (The Public Warning Signal is tested on the first day of every month at 12:00 noon.)
2. Local radio and television stations should be monitored constantly.
3. Everyone should proceed to the lowest floor of the building. Avoid windows, auditoriums, gymnasiums, or other structures with free-span overheads.
4. If warning comes at night or early morning hours, residence hall personnel should awaken everyone to be sure each student is aware of the warning. Residents should then move to “Safe Zones” as posted in each of the buildings and communicated by the residential staff.

Should a tornado occur the following guidelines should be followed:

1. After a tornado, assess any medical needs of individuals, assess damage, and Dial 911 if necessary.
2. Do not move individuals unless there is a life-threatening danger (i.e.,falling debris, fire, explosion).
3. If 911 is called, be sure to provide the following information:
   State your name.
   State the problem.
   State the name and location of injured individual(s) and/or other emergency needs.
   Do not hang up the phone until the operator tells you to do so.
4. Call the Office of Public Safety at 3204 or 3911 and provide the appropriate information.
5. If applicable, return to victims and keep them as calm and comfortable as possible. If needed, administer First Aid and C.P.R. if you are qualified.
6. Remain with victims until Public Safety or Emergency Crews arrive.
7. Keep everyone calm and assist as needed once emergency personnel arrive.

Snow/Ice

A Snow and Ice Storm may cause hazardous traveling conditions and power outages. Please consider the following information in the event of a snow or ice storm.

1. Operating a motor vehicle during severe snow and ice conditions can be
   dangerous. Caution should be observed when traveling to or from campus.
2. Classes are not canceled unless it is absolutely necessary.
3. If classes are canceled, the information will be given by the Vice President for
   Academic Affairs to the Campus Radio Station, College Switchboard, and the
   Hinds County Emergency Operations Center.

Earthquake

An earthquake happens with little or no warning. Keep in mind that most of the injuries during an earthquake result from buildings collapsing. Should an earthquake occur, use the following procedures:

1. If you are inside, stay there until shaking subsides. Make sure there is an exit
   route.
2. Stay away from walls.
3. Go to an open area outside.
4. After the quake, attend to the medical needs of individuals involved and dial 911 if necessary.
5. If 911 is called, be sure to provide the following information:
   State your name.
   State the problem.
   State the name and location of injured individual(s) and/or other emergency needs.
   Do not hang up the phone until the operator tells you to do so.
6. Call the Office of Public Safety at 3204 or 3911 and provide the appropriate information:
   State your name.
   State the problem.
   State the name and location of injured individual(s) and/or other emergency needs.
   Do not hang up the phone until the operator tells you to do so.
7. If applicable, return to victims and keep them as calm and comfortable as possible. If needed, administer First Aid and CPR if you are qualified.
8. Remain with victims until Public Safety or Emergency Crews arrive.
9. Keep everyone calm and assist as needed once emergency personnel arrive.

Flood

A flood can be the result of heavy rain, plumbing problems, faulty sprinkler systems, etc.
Should a flood occur, use the following procedures:

1. Individuals should exit the flooded area as quickly as possible.
2. Avoid standing water due to the threat of electrocution.
3. Call the Office of Public Safety at 3204 or 3911 and provide the following information:
   State your name.
   State the problem.
   State the name and location of the flood.
   Do not hang up the phone until instructed to do so.
4. Assist authorities on the scene with information as needed.
5. Do not return to the building until an authority declares that the area is safe.