New system gives tornado warning
In fall 2003, a tornado touched down on the University's campus as a result of Tropical Storm Gaston. The tornado knocked down a number of trees, which caused damage to several buildings and vehicles on campus. Fortunately, no one was injured.
To help ensure the safety of our students, faculty and staff in case of future tornadoes, the University is installing a Tornado Warning System (TWS) which will go into operation in January.
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 be continuous until the danger has passed. The University has contracted with WeatherData of Witchita, Kan., a national organization that tracks weather patterns and storms. 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. "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."
The safest place inside of a building is in the basement or ground floor, in a room as close to the interior of the building as possible and away from any exterior windows or doors.
To ensure that the system is working properly, the University will test the siren on a monthly basis. Dillard said 30-second tests will take place on the first Monday of every month at 1:25 p.m.
"This time was established in consultation with the Registrar's Office to ensure that we were not sounding the alert during a scheduled class period," said Dillard.
Additional information about the TWS and what to do in case of a tornado will be posted on the University's Spider Alert for Emergencies (S.A.F.E.) Web site located at http://alert.richmond.edu/.
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