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Severe Weather Warnings
for the Vanderbilt Community

• Early Warning System
• Tornado Safety
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See also Severe Weather Safety Links.

The Severe Weather Early Warning System

As part of the emergency preparedness plan, Vanderbilt has taken several steps to prepare for the advent of severe weather.  A commercial weather monitoring company has been hired to monitor for any severe weather that approaches the Vanderbilt campus.  (This is specific for Vanderbilt and is not a general Nashville alert.)

If tornadoes, severe thunderstorms, lightning or ice storms are detected within 30 minutes of campus, Vanderbilt is notified through both dedicated computer and fax lines located in the Vanderbilt Department of Security. Should the storm continue toward Vanderbilt and come within 15 minutes of campus, the weather monitoring company will issue a warning for that specific storm. The dispatcher on duty will then activate the Severe Weather Early Warning System.

The System includes both internal and external warning devices. The indoor part of the system includes emergency alert receivers, an automated phone calling system, key staff pager notifications, and disaster announcements via fire alarm systems in the medical center and clinic.

The outdoor system includes two parts:

1. One mechanical siren has been placed on Lupton Hall in the Branscomb Quadrangle.  Three electronic sirens have been placed on  the (1) the Student Recreation Center, (2) the Stadium Club and (3) the Kennedy Center/MRL Building.  Should tornadic weather be within fifteen minutes of reaching campus, the sirens will sound for three minutes.  The sirens sound similar to an air raid siren and can be heard within a 1.5 mile radius of campus, including portions of downtown Nashville. 

2. Two combination siren and public address speakers have been installed near the playing fields.  These will be activated in case of severe weather such as a severe thunderstorm or lightening storm.   These sirens will be audible within a 0.5 mile radius.

In the event of a tornado:

When the tornado siren sounds or when any other weather warning is received for tornadic weather, the following steps should be taken immediately:

1. If students are in a classroom, do not allow them to return to their dorms.

2. Move everyone away from windows, lobbies and exterior doors.

3. Seek shelter in the lowest, most interior portion of the building or in a designated safe area if you are in a high-rise building.

4. Assist special needs persons, such as people using wheelchairs.

5. Remain in the shelter for fifteen minutes or until the danger has passed.

The sirens will be tested periodically.  Tests will be publicized in advance, and will usually be performed near the beginning of Fall and Spring semesters.

Questions about the Severe Weather Early Warning System should be addressed to your departmental Emergency Coordinator or to VEHS.

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