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Tornado Safety Tips Print Version

Maintenance Department :: TORNADO SAFETY TIPS

Tornados are made up of violently swirling winds with velocities of up to 250 miles per hour. Most damages and deaths are caused by the flying debris that the winds carry with them.

Tornado Watch: Means conditions are favorable to the formation of a tornado, for example, during a severe thunderstorm. During a “tornado watch” be prepared to take shelter immediately if conditions worsen.

Tornado Warning: A “Tornado warning” is given when a tornado funnel is sighted or indicated by radar. You should take shelter immediately!!!

Miller Hall (East and West)
Primary shelter – Basement boiler room and laundry room
Secondary shelter – 1st floor hallways away from entry doors.
Close all doors to rooms and bathrooms.

Salmon Hall
Primary shelter – Basement boiler room and laundry room.

Johnston Hall
Primary shelter – Basement boiler room and laundry room

Apartments – Go to Miller Hall or Gunning Hall basement. If conditions are too severe to leave your apartment, go to an interior space, i.e., hallway, bathroom, or closet. Get low and cover your head. Avoid glass areas.

Signs are being updated to show these designated areas.

Notice of impending Tornado danger will be given by Eastern staff or Campus police.

The McAlester radio stations FM 101.3 and FM 105.1 and AM 1170 usually will be broadcasting any threatening conditions for this area.

The City of Wilburton has a siren that sounds when threatening conditions are present. If you hear these sirens get to a shelter immediately and stay there until the “all clear” is sounded.

All campus buildings have designated shelters. These will be posted to guide you to safety.

Some things “not to do” when a tornado is coming.

1. If you are in an automobile, “DO NOT TRY TO OUTRUN A TORNADO IN YOUR CAR’!  A MOTOR VEHICLE IS ONE OF THE MOST DANGEROUS PLACES TO BE IN A TORNADO. If you see a tornado, stop your vehicle and get out. Seek shelter away from the vehicle in a nearby ditch or ravine; do not get under your vehicle. Lie flat and put your arms over your head. Cars, busses, and trucks are easily tossed by tornado winds.
2. Get out of long span buildings such as shopping malls, civic centers, indoor pools, theaters, or gymnasiums. The entire roof structure is supported only by the outside walls. If you are caught in such a building, get away from windows and get into a restroom, if possible. Some of these areas may have designated shelters.

3. If you are caught outside during a tornado, and there is no underground shelter immediately available, lie in a gully, ditch, or low spot in the ground.  Protect your body and head with anything available. Do not get around trees or under a vehicle.

(Source of information: Emergency Management, State of Oklahoma)