Severe Weather Warning and Alert Systems

PURPOSE: The purpose of this Operating Procedure is to publicize the function and use of The Baylor University warning and alert system.

POLICY/PROCEDURE

 1. Severe weather in the form of thunderstorms, damaging hail, high winds, and tornadoes are a threat to the Baylor community. The City of Waco and Baylor University maintains several warning and alert systems for use in the event major storms or other disasters threaten our community. Ideally, sufficient warning time will allow precautionary measures to be implemented. The unpredictability of weather conditions, however, does not always provide for adequate warning.

 2. Weather Hazard Announcements - National Weather Service

 There are four severe weather hazard announcements that are issued by the National Weather Service. These announcements and their definitions are:

 a. Severe Thunderstorm Watch

 Potentially severe thunderstorms are expected. A severe thunderstorm contains either damaging winds (surface gusts greater than 75 mph) or hail stones at least 3/4 inch in diameter, or both.

b. Severe Thunderstorm Warning

A severe thunderstorm has actually been sighted or is indicated by radar.

c. Tornado Watch

Weather conditions are favorable for tornado development in this area. Specific time frames for the watch will be announced by the National Weather Service. Members of the Baylor Community are encouraged to monitor weather conditions by monitoring local radio/television stations.

d. Tornado Warning

A tornado has been sighted in the area or is indicated by radar.

3. NOAA Weather Radio

 The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) of the U.S. Department of Commerce provides continuous broadcasts of the latest weather information from the National Weather Service. Taped weather messages are repeated every two or three minutes and are revised on an hourly basis. When circumstances warrant, specially designed warning receivers (weather alert radios) can be activated. The weather alert radios sound an alarm indicating that an emergency exists, alerting the listener to turn the receiver up to an audible volume. Personnel in departments where the radio alert radios are located are expected to convey the message received to all other people in the area or building. These radios are available through a number of websites. Type in “EMERGENCY WEATHER RADIOS” and a number of websites will be made available to you. It is highly recommended that any emergency radio that is purchased should include the S.A.M.E. (Specific Area Monitoring Encoding) Technology which provides you with invaluable early warning information about approaching severe storms which may threaten the area.  Contact the Baylor University Police Department at 710-2222 for additional information.

 4. Baylor University Warning Systems

 a. Various sirens located throughout the City of Waco are activated whenever severe weather is imminent. Persons should immediately seek shelter upon hearing the siren.

 b. Baylor University Police car sirens and loudspeakers will be used to broadcast alerts and instructions.

 c. Residence Halls: In the event of a tornado warning, the hall directors will direct students to either basements or inner hallways on the lowest floor of the building.

 d. All other buildings on campus: In the event of a tornado warning and you are inside any building on campus, move to the lowest floor available within the facility or inner hallway and avoid all windows.

 5.         When It’s Safe To Come Out

Once the threat has passed, radio and television stations will be one of the best sources to determine when the danger has passed. Baylor Police will also announce the “all clear” by way of the patrol car public address system.

In the end it falls to each of us to be informed of weather conditions and to devise a plan of action before it is needed. Take time to learn some of the safer locations in your building in case someday, the need arises.