University News

Reminder: Severe Weather Preparedness

February 28, 2017

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MACOMB/MOLINE, IL -- With the unusual (but welcome) warm weather hitting our region recently, weather officials want us to keep in mind that the ever-changing temperatures may result in tornadoes.

Should a tornado warning be issued for the Macomb/McDonough County area, individuals on the Western Illinois University campus should go immediately to the lowest level of the building they are located in (interior hallways or rooms are preferable, away from glass windows). For additional information regarding shelter and preparedness, visit wiu.edu/vpas/risk_management_and_emergency_preparedness/tornado.php.

If a tornado warning is issued for the Macomb-area or WIU-Quad Cities campus/Moline-area, an alert will be sent through Western's Emergency Alert System (WEAS), if time permits, using text, phone calls and emails to notify the campus community of the weather-related threat. The notice may also appear, again if time permits, on the University's home page (wiu.edu), Facebook page (facebook.com/wiu.edu) and Twitter feed (@WIUNews). Local weather information can be found at wiu.edu/weather.

When a tornado warning is issued for the Macomb area, the city will sound civil defense/tornado sirens, which are located throughout the community, including on the WIU campus. When this siren is heard, individuals should take shelter immediately. In addition, Western's Office of Public Safety has the capability of announcing severe weather alerts over the emergency call box system and residence halls over the intercom system.

For the Moline campus, when a tornado is issued for the Moline/Rock Island County area, the city of Moline will sound civil defense/tornado sirens. When this siren is heard on the WIU-QC campus, individuals should go to the lowest level of the building to areas marked "Severe Weather Shelter Area."

There are a few additional steps individuals can take to protect themselves during threatening spring weather. Know the building layout, and where to go in the event of a tornado. Tune in to a radio or television for weather alerts, and sign up for weather-related alerts from local media and/or online weather centers, such as weather.com. A tornado watch means conditions are favorable for a tornado to develop, while a warning means a tornado has been spotted. A reliable source of weather information is the National Weather Service (NWS). The Davenport IL/IA NWS office provides up to date information at http://www.weather.gov/dvn.

If in a vehicle, do not try to escape the tornado. Try to find the nearest ditch or depression away from power lines and trees and lie flat. Finally, after a tornado, beware of damage. Notify emergency personnel of persons with disabilities who may be in the building. Do not use the elevators or electrical switches.

In the event of any building damage or personal injury on the Macomb campus, contact the Office of Public Safety at (309) 298-1949. Within the city of Macomb, residents can contact the local police department at (309) 833-4505. For building damage or personal injury on the QC campus, security can be contacted at extension 62298 or the Moline Police non-emergency number at (309) 797-0401.

An all-clear message will be issued via WEAS following a weather-related warning.

Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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