Know what to do when severe weather hits

The safety, security and well-being of all members of our community are always of the highest priority on our campus. In the event of severe weather in the Montgomery area, it is vital that everyone at AUM know what to do. It may help you and your loved ones avoid injury, or worse.

Severe Weather Tips

When the sirens sound:

• Go inside.
• Go to an interior room or hallway on the lowest floor of the building.
• Put as many walls as possible between you and the outside.
• Stay away from windows and doors.
• Seek shelter in a restroom or in a basement.
• If possible, cover yourself with a book bag, briefcase, or blanket, or get under a sturdy desk.
• Abandon cars or mobile homes and seek shelter in a more substantial structure, or lie flat with your arms over your head in a ditch or low-lying area. Do not use your car to try to outrun a tornado.
• Listen to weather alert radio or local radio/television stations for further information.
• Stay off of the telephone - do not call 244-3424 or 911 unless you have an actual fire/medical emergency or need police assistance.
• Stay inside until you are sure it is safe to leave.
• An "all clear" signal will be sent when it is safe to do so.

Severe weather safety terms

Severe weather is one of the most common hazards in the Montgomery, Ala., area. It is important to be aware of weather conditions and to stay alert during severe weather. Weather alert radios can provide immediate notification of severe weather. You should know the meanings of terms that are used during severe weather.

A "Watch" is issued when weather conditions are favorable for the formation of severe weather. During a watch, keep alert to changing conditions and prepare to take protective actions.

A "Warning" is issued when severe weather has been reported by spotters or is indicated by radar. During a warning, take protective actions immediately.

"Flash Floods" are the largest cause of death due to thunderstorms. During periods of Flash Floods, you should take these precautions:

• Do not drive through water that is moving across a road. It only takes a few inches of running water to wash a vehicle off the roadway.
• Look out for flooding at highway dips, bridges, and other low-lying areas. This is especially important at night.

Lightning is the second largest cause of death due to thunderstorms. During periods of lightning, you should take these precautions:

• If you hear thunder, you are close enough to the storm to be struck by lightning. Seek shelter immediately in a building or a car.
• If no shelter is available, go to a low, open area away from trees, poles and metal objects. Squat low to the ground and try to make yourself the smallest target possible.
• If caught in a wooded area, take shelter under the shorter trees.
• Avoid using the telephone or electrical devices.
• Avoid taking a shower or bath.

Straight-line winds can cause injuries and significant damage. You should take these precautions during periods of straight-line winds:

• Avoid driving in severe wind since high winds can make controlling your vehicle difficult and reduce visibility.
• Secure loose items, such as lawn furniture, that might be blown about by high winds.
• Stay away from windows and doors.

Tornado - learn these danger signs:

• Large hail - tornadoes are spawned from powerful thunderstorms, and the most powerful thunderstorms produce large hail. Tornadoes frequently emerge near the hail-producing portion of the storm.
• Calm before the storm - before a tornado hits, the wind may die down and the air may become very still.
• Cloud of debris - an approaching cloud of debris can mark the location of a tornado even if a funnel is not visible.
• Funnel cloud - a visible rotating extension of the cloud base is a sign that a tornado may develop. A tornado is evident when one or more of the clouds turns greenish (a phenomenon caused by hail) and a dark funnel descends.

Roaring Noise - The high winds of a tornado can cause a roar that is often compared with the sound of a freight train. Tornadoes generally occur near the trailing edge of a thunderstorm. It is not uncommon to see clear, sunlit skies behind a tornado.

Feb. 12, 2013