Severe Weather - Tornado


When the threat of a tornado is imminent, the city/campus emergency sirens will activate and the weather alert monitor in the Circulation Department will broadcast a National Weather Service Bulletin.  Circulation staff will make the following announcement over the PA system.  
    Your attention please!  Your attention please! The National Weather Service just issued a tornado warning for the Fargo-Moorhead area.  Seek shelter immediately in the lower level of this building.  Congregate in open areas and corridors.  Stay away from exterior windows. Please remain on the lower level until an "all clear" is announced.
    (Repeat three times)
Follow steps outlined below:
  1. Evacuate the Upper Level and Main Level only - no fire alarm will be sounded.

  2. Route all people to the Lower Level, rather than to the outside.  Library staff do not have the authority to detain patrons if they want to leave the building.  However, while the tornado warning is in effect, be sure to warn persons desiring to leave they are doing so at their own risk.

  3. Circulation staff will unplug the weather monitor (both power and external antenna) and take it downstairs with them to listen for additional announcements.  The monitor is battery powered when unplugged.

  4. Library staff should take their flashlights with them downstairs.

  5. Stay with the people - congregate them in the “Gallery” area, or other corridors, away from bookstacks and exterior windows - keep them calm.

  6. Wait for an ALL CLEAR bulletin from the National Weather Service (a long steady siren)

  7. When an ALL CLEAR signal is received, Circulation Staff will announce over the PA system (or transmit in person):

      8. Your attention please!  Your attention please! The National Weather Service just issued an "all clear" bulletin.
      (Repeat two times)

  8. Return flashlights and weather monitor (replug power and reattach external antenna) to their original locations.

If the power is off in the building, refer to the Electrical Power Failure section.

Additional information may be found in the section on Tornados in the NDSU Policies and Procedures Manual (Section 164)