Emergency Action Procedures for Tornados, Winter Storms, and other Severe Weather

Tornado Watch Example

A WATCH means weather conditions in your area could produce a tornado.

• A watch area is typically large, covering numerous counties or even states.
• Be ready to act quickly if a warning is issued or you suspect a tornado is approaching.
• Acting early helps to save lives!

Plan ahead for tornado emergencies.

• Register for UMBC alerts at https://my3.my.umbc.edu/alerts.  Ensure you have at least one current text-enabled mobile phone number registered.
• Review our Facility Emergency Action Plans for campus buildings and learn where Interior Shelter Areas are located.
• Pick a safe room in your home, such as a basement, storm cellar, or an interior room on the lowest floor with no windows.
• Have a family plan that includes an emergency meeting place and related information.  If you live in a mobile home or home without a basement, identify a nearby safe building you can get too quickly, like a church or a neighbor’s home.
• Make sure all members of your family know to go there when tornado warnings are issued.
• Don’t forget your pets.
• Help your neighbors and encourage your loved ones to prepare for tornado emergencies.

Tornado Warning Example

A WARNING means there is immediate danger to life and property.

• Warnings occur when a trained spotter has seen a tornado on the ground or a forecaster has identified a tornado on radar.
• The warning area is typically much smaller than a tornado watch area.
• Warnings impact areas the size of a city or small county.
• Move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building.
• Avoid windows and protect yourself from flying debris.

Take action!  Listen to local news to stay updated about tornado watches and warnings.

• At home:  If you are in a tornado warning area, go to your basement, safe room, or an interior room away from windows. Don’t forget your pets.
• On UMBC’s campus:  Go to your building’s Interior Shelter Area.  Avoid windows and large open rooms like cafeterias, gymnasiums, or auditoriums.
• Outside:  Seek shelter inside a sturdy building immediately.  Sheds and storage facilities are not safe.
• In a vehicle:  Do not attempt to outrun a tornado.  Being in a vehicle during a tornado is not safe.  Drive to the closest shelter.  If you are unable to make it to a safe shelter, get down in your car and cover your head, or abandon your car and seek shelter in a low lying area such as a ditch or ravine.

Tornado Emergency Alert Example

A tornado EMERGENCY is the highest alert level.  An emergency alert means a violent tornado has touched down in the alert area.

• There is a severe threat to human life and property.
• Catastrophic damage is confirmed.
• Immediately seek refuge in the safest location possible.
• Call friends and family who are within the alert area to ensure they are aware of the situation.

After a tornado emergency ends.

• Keep listening to local news to stay updated about tornado watches and warnings.  Severe thunderstorms can produce multiple rounds of tornadoes.
• Let your family and friends know your are okay.  Text messages or social media are more reliable forms of communication than phone calls.
• After the tornado threat is over, check to see if your property has been damaged or if anyone is injured.
• Stay out of damaged buildings.
• If you find people that are injured and you are properly trained, provide first aid if needed until emergency response teams arrive.
• Do not go near downed power lines.  Report downed power lines to the police.
• Beware of insurance scammers.  Report any suspicious phone calls or emails to your insurance company.