Weather Emergencies/Natural Disasters

Tornado Watches and Warnings are issued by the National Weather Service when the probability exists that a significant threat could develop over a wide area. Warnings are issued for much smaller areas and periods of time than Watches.

Tornado Watch means that conditions are favorable for tornadoes to form. Be alert to weather conditions and announcements.

Tornado Warning means that a tornado has been sighted or radar indicates rotation in the clouds. TAKE SHELTER!

At the University, the following systems are used for alerting building occupants of a tornado:

• Outdoor sirens are operated by Lincoln-Lancaster County Emergency Management
• University Police will send a UNL Alert when a Tornado Warning is issued by the National Weather Service
• Warning will be announced by voice amplified systems in buildings
• UNL Alert modes include: text messages, email, digital signs, unl.edu Websites, Twitter, Facebook and  computer pop-ups
• Weather radio and designated staff will also alert building occupants
• UNL's Tornado Policy

Upon hearing the outdoor warning sirens use the following procedures for employee safety:

IN THE EVENT OF A TORNADO WARNING:

University Police will activate UNL Alert when a tornado warning is issued by the National Weather Service. All University personnel are directed to seek shelter indoors (lowest level interior room) upon activation of the warning. It is not safe to leave the shelter until local radio and television stations announce that the warning has expired.

SAFETY PROCEDURES

Indoors

• Move quickly to lowest level, interior space (hallway, basement, restroom)
• Get low
• Cover back of head
• Monitor news
• Stay in shelter until warning expires

Individuals with mobility/impairments or physical disabilities:

Prior planning and practice of evacuation routes to tornado shelters is important, particularly for individuals with mobility impairments or physical disabilities.

Supervisory personnel and course instructors are responsible for identifying and escorting individuals with mobility impairments or physical disabilities located in their offices/facilities or classrooms to safety in a tornado shelter in the event of a tornado warning.

The elevators may be used to transport individuals with mobility impairments or physical disabilities and their escorts to tornado shelters. Visually impaired and hearing impaired individuals may be escorted down the stairs to tornado shelters but may require assistance in moving in crowded staircases and in finding the tornado shelter.

In the event of a power failure, individuals who are unable to use the stairs and their escorts should move to an interior location without windows.

"When thunder roars - get indoors"

No place outside is safe near a thunderstorm!

When you hear thunder, go inside a substantial building or a vehicle with a metal roof and metal sides and stay inside for 30 minutes after the last sound of thunder. If you are caught outside, avoid open areas and never stand under a tall, isolated tree. Learn more at https://www.weather.gov/mlb/lightning_rules

• Seek shelter immediately in a substantial building but stay away from corded telephones, electrical appliances, and plumbing.
• The second safest place is a vehicle with a metal roof and metal sides.
• If you are caught outside, stay away from open areas and water. Never stand under a tall, isolated tree.
• Lightning victims are safe to touch. If someone is unresponsive or not breathing, immediately call 9-1-1 and do CPR.

"Turn around, don't drown"

Stay Informed

Monitor local radio and television (including NOAA Weather Radio), internet and social media for information and updates.

Get to Higher Ground

Get out of areas subject to flooding and get to higher ground immediately.

Obey Evacuation Orders

If told to evacuate, do so immediately. Be sure to lock your home as you leave. If you have time, disconnect utilities and appliances.

Practice Electrical Safety

Don't go into a basement, or any room, if water covers the electrical outlets or if cords are submerged. If you see sparks or hear buzzing, crackling, snapping or popping noises --get out! Stay out of water that may have electricity in it!

Avoid Flood waters

Do not walk through flood waters. It only takes six inches of moving water to knock you off your feet. If you are trapped by moving water, move to the highest possible point and call 911 for help.

Do not drive into flooded roadways or around a barricade; Turn Around, Don't Drown! Water may be deeper than it appears and can hide many hazards (i.e. sharp objects, washed out road surfaces, electrical wires, chemicals, etc). A vehicle caught in swiftly moving water can be swept away in a matter of seconds. Twelve inches of water can float a car or small SUV and 18 inches of water can carry away large vehicles.

"Drop, Cover and Hold On"

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln is in a moderate earthquake hazard zone. Earthquakes are unpredictable and may strike without warning. Earthquake injuries usually result from falling debris. Disruption of communication lines, light and power lines, and sewer and water mains can be expected.

During An Earthquake

If you are inside a building:

• Stay where you are until the shaking stops. Do not run outside. Do not get in a doorway as this does not provide protection from falling or flying objects, and you may not be able to remain standing.
• Drop down onto your hands and knees so the earthquake doesn’t knock you down. Drop to the ground (before the earthquake drops you!)
• Cover your head and neck with your arms to protect yourself from falling debris.
  • If you are in danger from falling objects, and you can move safely, crawl for additional cover under a sturdy desk or table.
  • If there is low furniture or an interior wall or corner nearby, and the path is clear, these may also provide some additional cover.
  • Stay away from glass, windows, outside doors and walls, and anything that could fall, such as light fixtures or furniture.
• Hold on to any sturdy covering so you can move with it until the shaking stops. Stay where you are until the shaking stops.

If getting safely to the floor to take cover won’t be possible:

• Identify an inside corner of the room away from windows and objects that could fall on you.  The Earthquake Country Alliance advises getting as low as possible to the floor. People who use wheelchairs or other mobility devices should lock their wheels and remain seated until the shaking stops. Protect your head and neck with your arms, a pillow, a book, or whatever is available.

If you are in bed when you feel the shaking:

• If you are in bed: Stay there and Cover your head and neck with a pillow. At night, hazards and debris are difficult to see and avoid; attempts to move in the dark result in more injuries than remaining in bed.

If you are outside when you feel the shaking:

• If you are outdoors when the shaking starts, move away from buildings, streetlights, and utility wires. Once in the open, “Drop, Cover, and Hold On.” Stay there until the shaking stops. This might not be possible in a city, so you may need to duck inside a building to avoid falling debris.

If you are in a moving vehicle when you feel the shaking:

• If you are in a moving vehicle, stop as quickly and safely as possible and stay in the vehicle. Avoid stopping near or under buildings, trees, overpasses, and utility wires. Proceed cautiously once the earthquake has stopped. Avoid roads, bridges, or ramps that the earthquake may have damaged.

After an Earthquake

• When the shaking stops, look around. If there is a clear path to safety, leave the building and go to an open space away from damaged areas.
• If you are trapped, do not move about or kick up dust.
• If you have a cell phone with you, use it to call or text for help.
• Tap on a pipe or wall or use a whistle, if you have one, so that rescuers can locate you.
• Once safe, monitor local news reports via battery operated radio, TV, social media, and cell phone text alerts for emergency information and instructions.
• Be prepared to “Drop, Cover, and Hold on” in the likely event of aftershocks.

 In any emergency, always listen to the instructions given by local emergency management officials.