Severe Weather

Watches and Warnings
Cold Weather
Flooding
Tornados
Evacuation Procedures

In Iowa, the possibility of severe weather is a real concern. While some think it is impossible to be prepared for these unexpected events, the goal of the Department of Residence is to inform residents of weather hazards that typically affect ISU and to encourage students to plan ahead and know what to do during different weather emergencies.

For more comprehensive information about the University's commitment to Severe Weather preparedness, please visit the ISU Environmental Health and Safety Web site.

Watches and Warnings

Weather Service personnel use information from weather radar, spotters and other sources to issue Watches and Warnings regarding pending weather situations.

A WATCH is issued when conditions are favorable for severe weather to develop.
A WARNING is issued for areas where severe weather is present or imminent.
A TORNADO WARNING means that a tornado has been seen or detected by radar and may be approaching.

The National Weather Service and local radio and television stations will announce watches and warnings about severe weather. One local channel to watch is KCCI (channel 8 - CBS).

Cold Weather

Mid-west winters can be tough! Snow, ice and wind combine to create extremely cold temperatures, often accompanying winter storms. To keep yourself safe, follow these cold weather tips.

Stay indoors as much as possible. If you do go outside, try to make trips as brief as possible. One tip is to travel inside classroom buildings to stay warm.
Be Cautious About Travel. Don't be on the roads if you don't absolutely have to.
Dress appropriately before going outdoors. The temperature doesn't have to be below zero for you to experience cold emergencies such as hypothermia and frostbite. You should always wear:
- A hat! Most of your body heat is lost through your head.
- Mittens. Mittens are warmer than gloves.
- A scarf or knit mask to cover your mouth. Breathing in cold air can irritate your lungs.
- A water-resistant coat with sleeves that are snug at the wrist.
- Waterproof, insulated boots to keep your feet warm and dry and to maintain your footing in ice and snow.

Flooding

Spring in the mid-west brings with it the potential of flooding, both from melting snow and from spring rains. Parts of the Ames community are considered to be flood plains. That is, flat land adjacent to a stream or river that experiences occasional or periodic flooding. According to The National Weather Service, more accidents occur each year due to flooding than from any other severe weather related hazard. Over 50% of flood related accidents occur when people underestimate the force and power of water and they and/or their vehicles are swept downstream. Of these, many are preventable if you follow these safety tips:

If flooding occurs, get to higher ground. Get out of areas subject to flooding.
Avoid areas already flooded. Never attempt to cross water flowing through streams, storm drains, ditches, ravines, or culverts. Flowing water six inches deep can knock you off your feet.
Road beds may be washed out under flood waters. NEVER drive through flooded roadways. If you come upon flood waters, stop, turn around, and go another way. Climb to higher ground.
Do not park your vehicle along streams, particularly during threatening conditions.

Tornados

ISU is cyclone country in more ways than one! Tornadoes usually occur in the spring and summer (generally March through September) and are often preceded by severe thunderstorms with frequent lightning, heavy rain and hail. With winds of up to 300 miles per hour, tornadoes can sweep through an area, causing serious damage, in a matter of minutes.

If a Tornado Watch is issued, you should:

Review emergency plans.
Be alert for changing conditions and these danger signs: power failure, roaring / train-like noise, strong winds or funnel clouds.
Be prepared to act.

If a Tornado Warning is issued and/or the tornado sirens are activated, all individuals on-campus should proceed to the nearest designated tornado shelter. Shelter areas depend on your location at the time of the tornado warning.

If you are inside:

Stay in that building! Do not go outside.
Proceed to the nearest designated shelter area in the building by the quickest route.
Move quickly but in an orderly manner so that all may arrive safely.
Take a seat in the shelter area (if seats are not available, calmly remain standing).
If you have a portable weather alert radio, try to bring it to the shelter.

If you are outside:

Move at right angles to the tornado.
Immediately enter the nearest building.
If there is no time to escape or find shelter, lie flat in a ditch or depression, avoiding areas subject to rapid water accumulation or flooding in heavy rains.

Areas/places to avoid:

All outside walls, elevators and windows of buildings.
Any low-lying area that could flood.
Vehicles---do not use for shelter.
Building areas with a large roof span.

Remain sheltered until the tornado warning is over. There is no "all clear" signal given; this information will be provided by listening to a radio or TV station, or by contacting the ISU Department of Public Safety (5115-294-4428).

Evacuation Stickers

A bright orange Fire/Emergency/Tornado Procedure sticker has been placed on the backs of all student room doors in the Residence Halls, Frederiksen Court and Schilletter / University Village DO NOT remove or deface these stickers.