Tornado Warning

Emergency Procedures

When tornado sirens are sounded or communication from the police is relayed to the campus, faculty, staff and students should use their discretion in the safety precautions that are taken. However, the following procedures are recommended:

Building Shelter Locations
Cass Hall
Primary: Student Recreation Center
Secondary: Room 105 (file/copy room), restrooms or room 106 (conference room); remain away from interior windows

West Plains Civic Center

Room Precaution
Redbud and
Dogwood rooms		 Move to the perimeter walls (hard-surface) within the rooms.
Magnolia room,
University/Community
Programs office		 Move to the first floor and go to the Redbud rooms. This is down the stairs, to your left past the theater.
Arena and
exhibit hall		 Move to the Redbud and Dogwood rooms. These rooms are located to the east and west of the arena area.
Pool, fitness room,
civic center offices		 Move to the locker rooms and/or restrooms.
Athletics Offices Move to the first floor and go to the Dogwood Rooms. These rooms are downstairs and to your left.

When the sirens sound or a tornado warning is relayed from the West Plains Police Department, this means a tornado has actually been sighted. A media announcement of a tornado warning also means a tornado has been sighted. When a tornado warning is issued, the following safety procedures are advised:

  • Proceed to the nearest designated primary shelter area if safe to do so, otherwise proceed to secondary shelter location.
  • Avoid windows and exterior doors.
  • Whenever possible, go to an interior hallway or classroom on the lowest floor.
  • Whenever possible, protect yourself from exterior walls, windows and doors.
  • Stand or sit near the base of a wall and protect yourself from possible falling debris with a table, desk, chair, etc.
  • When walking to shelter, avoid elevators and areas with exterior windows.
  • Avoid auditoriums and gymnasiums or other structures with wide, free-span roofs.
  • Avoid low-lying areas that could flood.
  • Remain in shelter location until you know for sure the warning is over, either by listening to the radio or television station or when warning sirens have stopped.