Severe Weather Information

A tornado warning or severe weather warning is serious. Take immediate action to protect yourself by following these guidelines:

• Stay away from glass windows, and sit close to corridor walls.  Cover your body to protect it from flying debris, and cover your head and face with your arms.
• If outdoors, move quickly to ground floor of a building or seek refuge in a ditch. Caution: Avoid power or utility lines and trees, as they can be energized.
• If in an automobile, stop in the safest place available, preferably away from power lines and trees. Stop as quickly as safety permits, exit the vehicle and seek suitable shelter.
• After the storm passes, evaluate the situation and, if emergency help is necessary contact University Police. Call from on-campus at 8911, or by cell at (864) 388-8911. Note: During the severe weather event, please do not call University Police unless there are injuries in your area or you need immediate assistance. 
• Report damaged facilities to University Police or Physical Plant. Note: Gas leaks and power failures create special hazards. Please refer to the section on utility failures.
• If the building you are in is evacuated by University officials or the fire alarm sounds, walk quickly to the nearest safe exit and ask others to do the same. Assist the disabled in exiting the building.
  • After a severe weather is over, remain in the building until given the all clear to exit the building. Due to the probability of power lines being down, you may be asked to remain indoors.
  • Once outside, move to the assembly area away from the affected building. Keep streets and walkways clear for emergency vehicles and crews. Know your assembly location.
  • An Emergency Operations Center may be set up near the disaster site. Keep clear of the area unless you have official business.
  • Do not return to an evacuated building unless told to do so by University Police or University Administration.