Campus tornado drill set for April 24

April 21-25 is Tornado and Severe Weather Awareness Week in Wisconsin. State agencies, including UW-Eau Claire, have been asked to conduct a tornado drill on Thursday, April 24.  In Eau Claire County the drill will include a mock tornado watch at 1 p.m. upgraded to a mock tornado warning at 1:45 p.m. Outdoor sirens, broadcast stations and weather radios will sound the warning.

The purpose of a tornado drill is to ensure that faculty, staff and students know what to do and where to go should a tornado or severe weather arise. To avoid disrupting classes, actual evacuations are not recommended.  Faculty who are teaching at the time of the drill are asked to announce the planned drill and read the following information:

What to do in the event of severe weather or tornado

1. Evacuate to the lowest level of the building, if time permits.
2. Go to an enclosed windowless area in the center of the building.
3. Do not use elevators.
4. Stay away from windows, glass, or large open areas.
5. Monitor weather by radio or weather alert radio.
6. Stay in the sheltered area until the “all clear” is sounded.

It is the goal of this university to ensure the safety of everyone who works on or visits our campus. 

If you have questions regarding severe weather or tornados, contact Randy Saheim (36-3999), saheimrd@uwec.edu) or John Baltes (36-4414), jbaltes@uwec.edu).  

For information regarding severe weather, tornado procedures or the location of safe areas in campus buildings, visit UW-Eau Claire's loss prevention and safety website.