All,
I’m writing to update you on the severe weather we’re expecting through the night and into tomorrow morning. The National Weather Service is forecasting dangerous storms with high wind, hail, and tornados possible. Memphis and most of the Mid-South is currently under a Tornado Watch.
West Tennessee sits along the edge of “Tornado Alley;” it is helpful to be aware of tornado emergency procedures year-round. A TORNADO WATCH is issued when conditions are very favorable, and a tornado is possible in the near future. A TORNADO WARNING is issued when a tornado has been sighted, indicated by radar, or may strike in the vicinity of our area.
In the event of a tornado warning, civil defense sirens will sound (these sirens are tested every Wednesday at 3:30 p.m.) You are advised to take appropriate shelter immediately and follow the instructions below when such a warning is issued.
Proceed as quickly as possible to the interior hallways in the lowest floors in the building. (Do not use elevators in an emergency.) Avoid the lobby areas or any areas adjacent to windows or exterior doors. Sit with your back against the wall of the hallway, leaving a path for others to get through. Remain there as calmly as possible until an all-clear is given. If you are unable to get to a lower floor, seek immediate shelter, away from windows, within your own vicinity.
In apartments, proceed as quickly as possible to bathrooms, under stairs, or the centermost supported area of the structure. Avoid any areas adjacent to windows or exterior doors. Remain there as calmly as possible until the threat of danger has passed. During this time, we may experience power outages; so, keep your technology charged and your flashlight handy.
In the event of this type of an emergency, Residence Life and Campus Safety staff may not be able to alert you of proper procedures. Please be advised that during inclement weather you should anticipate wet floors and stair wells. Please exercise caution when moving around in the buildings.
When possible, Rhodes Campus Safety will send an emergency RhodesAlert when a Tornado Warning is issued for campus. You will likely hear tornado sirens before a RhodesAlert is issued. If possible, Rhodes Campus Safety will issue an all-clear when conditions allow.
If you have questions about emergency procedures, please contact Campus Safety at 901-843-3880.
Ike Sloas
Director of Campus Safety