University of Richmond is Installing Tornado Warning System
March 13, 2006
The University of Richmond is installing a tornado warning system (TWS) to help ensure the safety of faculty, staff and students in case a tornado touches down on the campus.
The TWS features a siren that will be activated approximately 15 minutes before tornadic activity is predicted to occur within three miles of the campus. The siren will sound continuously until the danger has passed. The university has contracted with WeatherData of Witchita, Kan., a national organization that tracks weather patterns and storms, to provide alerts.
An all-clear siren of 25–30 seconds will sound to alert the campus when it is safe to resume normal activity.
“The siren will be loud enough to be heard while upon the grounds of the university but is not designed to be heard within every building,” said Bob Dillard, chief of University Police. The siren also will be audible in the neighborhoods immediately surrounding the campus.
“Our community will be educated with regard to the alert system and told to take cover within the center of the nearest building and to remain there until the all-clear siren sounds,” said Dillard.
The safest place inside of a building is in the basement or ground floor, in a room as close to the interior as possible and away from exterior windows or doors.
To ensure that the system is working properly, the university will test the siren monthly. Dillard said 30-second tests will take place the first Monday of every month at 1:25 p.m. The first test took place on March 6.
“This time was established in consultation with the Registrar’s Office so that the alert does not sound during a scheduled class period,” said Dillard.
Additional information about the TWS and tornado safety instructions will be posted on the university’s Spider Alert for Emergencies (S.A.F.E.) Web site located at http://alert.richmond.edu/.
In fall 2004, a tornado touched down on the university’s campus during Tropical Storm Gaston. The tornado knocked down a number of trees, which damaged several buildings and vehicles. No one was injured.