| Tornado
The State of Indiana is among the leaders in the number of tornadoes experienced each
year, based on land area percentages. Also, the state ranks high among others in the
number of causalities annually. The highest frequency of tornadoes in Indiana occurs in
April, with June a close second. Due to these facts, it is necessary to have an organized
method by which to provide ample warning of the possibility of a tornado, and to
respond in the event a tornado has been spotted or the campus is struck.
. A tornado watch indicates that weather conditions are such that a
tornado could form. Normal activities may be continued, but alertness should be
maintained for possible threatening conditions.
. A tornado warning indicates that a tornado has been sighted and that
all persons should seek appropriate shelter immediately. Tornado warnings are typically
45 minutes in length.
Procedures to follow in the event of a tornado warning begin with the communications
and warning system used by the city of Indianapolis and Marion County. Sirens located
in various parts of the city and county are used to alert citizens of a tornado warning.
These sirens can be heard in and around most campus locations.
In the event that conditions become conducive for a tornado:
- The Butler University Police Department will assign one officer to monitor and
track the storm.
- When a warning sounds all persons should move to the basement of the building
they occupy, or at least to an inner area on the first floor (in an area where there
are no windows, e.g. hallways, etc.)
- When the warning is over, the Butler University Police Department will notify
persons in each building by phone or in person.
In the event any part of the campus is struck by a tornado:
- The Butler University Police Department will immediately implement the incident
command system.
- Protect money by locking all registers and safes.
- Lock all areas that have money.
If the Incident Command Center is set up, a representative from the Construction and
Maintenance emergency response team will report to the incident command to facilitate
any questions concerning the incident from emergency response teams.
The Butler University Police Department will notify all outside emergency services
needed such as ambulance, Fire Department etc.
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