70% of tornadoes in Missouri occur between the months of March and June. Further, May is the peak month of tornado activity1, making this the perfect time to remind staff of our tornado procedures. Please be aware of these the next time a tornado watch or warning is issued.
- Your department will be notified via the West Security Desk of a tornado watch. At this time, review the following procedures.
- In the event of a tornado warning, the civil alert sirens will sound, and a PA announcement will be made telling patrons to evacuate to the tornado safe areas of the library. These include the Colonnade and the hallways surrounding the security office, LTS and the break room.
- During a tornado warning, security may ask for assistance in keeping patrons in tornado safe areas. This may include checking areas of the library for patrons, keeping patrons away from windows or simply warning patrons exiting the building of the current dangerous weather conditions.
- When a tornado warning has expired or been lifted, security will make an announcement over the PA system. This does not mean that a tornado watch is no longer in effect so please stay alert for another tornado warning.If you have any questions or concerns about this information, feel free to contact the security office.
1http://extension.missouri.edu/tornado.htm