9.3 Weather-Related Emergencies
Warning: Severe weather warnings are issued by the National Weather Service and may be heard over area radio and television stations.
Preparation: The President of the University, with assistance from the Director of Facilities Management and Safety, the Vice-President for Academic Affairs, and (if Athens Campus) the Senior Vice President for Administration and Finance will decide whether to dismiss, delay or cancel classes due to severe weather conditions. The decision will depend much on the time of day the severe weather arrives.
Cancellation of Day Classes: If necessary, a decision should be made by 6:30 a.m. whether to delay or cancel day classes based on existing and projected road conditions, weather forecasts and current conditions. Cancellation of Evening Classes: If necessary, a decision should be made by 3:00 p.m. whether to delay or cancel evening classes based on existing and projected road conditions, weather forecasts and current conditions.
Inclement Weather: If the school will be closed due to inclement weather, the Emergency Notification process listed in this plan will be activated.
Tornado/Hurricane/Flooding/Thunderstorms
Campus Police/Security will notify the various departments and offices of the University that a watch or warning signal has been issued. The Emergency Notification Plan will be activated as needed.
Tornado Watch: When a WATCH signal has been received, normal campus activities will be continued.
Tornado Warning: When a WARNING signal has been received, those receiving the message will direct those under their charge to the shelter area designated for that area.
Sheltering: Upon leaving the area, close but do not lock the door. Proceed quickly to a sheltered area. If a person is injured, report the injury to the nearest faculty or staff member.
Designated Safe Areas: Interior ground floor locations without windows are the safest places in most buildings. In the event of a tornado warning, please move immediately to the safest location nearest you.