Severe Weather
Emergency Procedures
Severe Weather Safety Overview
When the Campus receives a severe weather threat for the area, specific procedures must be followed to ensure the safety and security of all students, faculty, staff, and visitors.
These procedures are designed to minimize risk during severe weather events including thunderstorms, tornadoes, and other dangerous weather conditions that may affect the campus.
Critical Safety Notice
Remain in designated shelter areas until an all-clear signal is given by Public Safety. Do not leave shelter areas during active severe weather warnings.
All members of the campus community are required to familiarize themselves with these procedures and designated shelter areas for their safety and the safety of others.
Severe Weather Emergency Procedures
Follow these essential steps when severe weather threatens the campus.
Residential Housing
- Follow instructions of residence hall staff immediately
- Move to designated shelter areas within the building
- Stay away from windows and exterior walls
- Remain in shelter until all-clear is announced
Campus Grounds
- Enter the nearest building immediately
- Proceed to the lowest floor if possible
- Move to inner rooms away from windows
- Seek cover under a desk or sturdy table
- Avoid elevators during severe weather
Classroom/Admin Buildings
- Proceed to the lowest floor or basement if available
- Move to inner rooms away from exterior walls
- Seek cover under desks or sturdy tables
- Stay away from windows and glass doors
- Follow faculty/staff guidance for evacuation
Assist Others
- Help persons with disabilities reach safety
- Assist those with special needs or mobility issues
- Stay calm and provide reassurance to others
- Report any missing persons to authorities
Tornado Evacuation Areas & Capacity
Campus has 19 designated tornado shelter areas with capacity for approximately 2,300 people.
Advancement Village
Access: Ground floor interior corridors away from windows
Alumni House
Access: Central office space away from exterior walls
Bennie G. Thompson Academic Research Center
• Male/Female Bathrooms (First Floor)
• Room #111
• Basement Hallway near Elevator
Berkshire Cottage
• Interior Offices (First Floor) - 60
• Practice Rooms - 10
• Hallway (First Floor) - 75
• Interior Lecture Room - 61
Residential:
• Male/Female Bathrooms - 120
Blackmon Administrative Building
• Basement of East Wing - 60
• Basement of West Wing - 60
Branch Hall
Access: Interior rooms and hallways on ground level
Galloway Hall Classroom Area
• Hallway with Classroom Doors Closed - 50
• Shop Area (away from glass) - 6
Health and Wellness Center
Access: Interior locker room facilities
Holmes Hall
• Male Bathroom (First Floor) - 9
• Female Bathroom (First Floor) - 9
• Education Resource Room - 14
• Hallway (Education Area) - 10
• Faculty Office - 20
• Piano Room - 6
• Art Room Hallway - 39
Jamerson Hall
Access: Interior corridor on ground level
L. Zenobia Coleman Library
• Basement Area at Elevator - 51
• Bathrooms (2 bathrooms, 10 each) - 20
• Archival Room - 187
Kincheloe Science Hall
• First Floor Bathrooms (7 each) - 14
• First Floor Hallway - 78
• Interior Offices (5 offices, 14 each) - 70
New Women's Residence Hall
Access: Lowest level of building
Sarah A. Dickey (Jackson Heart Study)
• First Floor Bathroom
• Storage Room
Sponsored Programs
• Hallways
• Bathrooms
Renner Hall
Access: Interior rooms away from exterior walls
Warren Hall
• Student Bathrooms (12 each) - 24
• SGA Office - 20
• Bookstore Manager's Office - 13
• Classroom in Basement - 208
Woodworth Chapel
• Conference Room
• Basement Inner Hallway
Capacity Guidelines
Designated spaces allow four feet per person, divided by the shelter area's square footage. After any evacuation, report to your designated assembly point for accurate head count.
Special Building Evacuation Procedures
Individuals in the following buildings must evacuate to specific designated shelter areas.
Important Evacuation Reminder
Building co-captains will take attendance and assist in accounting for all occupants. Stay at your designated assembly point until an accurate head count is completed.
Emergency Contact Information
Report all severe weather emergencies and incidents immediately.
Campus Security
Available: 24 Hours Daily
For: All severe weather emergencies, accidents, and immediate assistance
Department of Public Safety
Hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Monday - Friday
For: General safety information and non-emergency assistance
Medical Emergency
Available: 24 Hours Daily
For: Life-threatening emergencies and serious injuries
Also notify Campus Security after calling 911
Emergency Reporting Guidelines
When reporting severe weather emergencies, provide your exact location, nature of the emergency, and any injuries. Stay on the line until emergency services arrive or you receive further instructions.