Inclement Weather Plan
Inclement weather and tornadoes can occur with little or no warning, so it is important that you take precautions and prepare in advance of these storms.
Weather Terminology
Tornado Watch
A tornado watch means BE PREPARED. A tornado watch is issued when severe thunderstorms and tornadoes are possible in the area. It does not mean that they will occur-it only means they are possible. If there is a tornado watch, pay close attention to the weather and be ready to act.
Tornado Warning
A tornado watch means TAKE ACTION. A tornado warning is issued when tornadoes are imminent in the area. If there is a tornado watch, SEEK SHELTER IMMEDIATELY.
Safe Zones
As an on-campus resident, it is important for you to know the safe locations for your hall. In the event of a tornado warning, please review the following information to educate yourself on the locations to go in the event of inclement weather.
Residents and guests are encouraged to go to the laundry room located in the basement of Blount Hall.
Residents and guests are encouraged to go to the classrooms located on the ground floor (CH 113 and CH 133). Please avoid windows, doors, and large furniture.
Residents also have the option of going to the tornado shelters located under Governors Terrace North, Governors Terrace South, and Eriksson Hall. These shelters are accessible from the interior and exterior of the building and will be unlocked in the event of a tornado warning.
Residents and guests are encouraged to remain in their apartments. You may go to the interior areas of the apartment free from windows, doors, and large furniture. These areas may include bathrooms, hallways, and closets.
Tornado shelters are located in the basement the building. These areas are accessible from the interior and exterior of the building, and the doors will automatically unlock in the event of a tornado warning. The elevator will not be accessible during a tornado warning.
Residents and guests are encouraged to remain in their apartments. You may go to the interior areas of the apartment free from windows, doors, and large furniture. These areas may include bathrooms, hallways, and closets.
Residents also have the option of going to the tornado shelters located under Governors Terrace North, Governors Terrace South, and Eriksson Hall. These shelters are accessible from the interior and exterior of the building and will be unlocked in the event of a tornado warning.
Residents and guests are encouraged to remain in their apartments. You may go to the interior areas of the apartment free from windows, doors, and large furniture. These areas may include bathrooms, hallways, and closets.
Residents also have the option of going to the tornado shelters located under Governors Terrace North, Governors Terrace South, and Eriksson Hall. These shelters are accessible from the interior and exterior of the building and will be unlocked in the event of a tornado warning.
Tornado Warning Drills
In an effort to educate residents on the proper procedures in the event of a tornado, the Department of Housing/Residence Life and Dining Services in partnership with Public Safety conducts Tornado Warning Drills on a semesterly basis. During these drills, staff will sound an air horn to notify the students of the drill, and students will be directed to the safe areas in each of the residence halls.
Emergency Notification
Austin Peay utilizes multiple methods to communicate in the event of an emergency. In the event of a tornado warning, you may hear an audible siren outside, or your Resident Assistant/Residence Hall Director will sound an air horn. In the event of either of these occurring, residents are encouraged to go to the safe location mentioned above.
We also encourage all residents to sign up for the RAVE Alert System utilized by Austin Peay State University. Students have the options of receiving emails and/or text messages in the event of an emergency. For more information or to sign up, visit the Campus Alerts webpage.