On Wednesday, the campus will participate in a tornado drill.
The National Weather Service will issue a test tornado watch and warning between 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. unless severe weather is in the area. Douglas County will sound civil defense warning sirens for the daytime drill. Nebraska Medicine-Nebraska Medical Center also will conduct an additional test tornado watch/warning drill on the evening/night shift around 8 p.m.
With the arrival of tornado season, everyone should review the severe weather plan in the emergency preparedness guide and your department’s plan. Make sure you know what to do and where to go in the event of a tornado warning. Take the stairs, not the elevator.
“Tornadoes are a high priority threat for our organization,” said John Hauser, safety manager for UNMC. “A review of the tornadoes that hit Joplin and Oklahoma City showed that preparation is important.”
The weather service has a “Tornado Safety: What You Can Do!” flyer that you can share with your family. For smartphone users, the American Red Cross has a tornado app for smartphones that can send real time tornado alerts for your area. It has useful information to help you plan and prepare.
Employees, faculty or students who experience problems or wish to make suggestions can contact Hauser or complete an online survey.
The beginning of tornado season also is a good time to review your family emergency plans regarding severe weather. Assistance in preparing family emergency plans can be found here or here.