Emergency Preparedness:
Severe Weather

In the event of severe weather, Vanderbilt has as Early warning siren system in place to notify faculty, staff, students and visitors of impending tornados. The siren will sound for three minutes.

IF YOU HEAR THE SIREN or a Campus Weather Radio Broadcast:

  1. Alert all building occupants of the impending weather.
  2. Move quickly to a safe area indoors. This should be interior hallways, a basement, or interior bathrooms (interior spaces without windows). C
  3. lose all doors as you leave the area. Especially ones leading to exterior rooms.
  4. Stay away from windows, doors and exterior walls.
  5. When moving to lower levels, remember to use the stairwells, as the elevators are not for use during emergency situations.
  6. DO NOT go outdoors or attempt to outrun the storm.
  7. Monitor local radio stations for weather updates.
  8. Notify Vanderbilt University Police Department at 911 or 322-2745 in the event that someone is injured or there is building damage caused by the weather.

IF YOU ARE OUTDOORS:

  1. Go quickly inside of a sturdy building
  2. Stay away from possible hazards (power lines, traffic, trees, etc…)
  3. Assume a fetal position and cover your head.
  4. Wait for the weather to subside.