On Tuesday, March 3, 2020, Missouri will hold its annual statewide tornado drill at 10:00 a.m. Missouri State participates in this annual drill. It provides a good test and review of our tornado procedures. During this drill, all faculty, staff and students are asked to react in accordance with the University’s Emergency Action Plan Severe Weather and Tornado Procedures. Please take a moment to familiarize yourself with these procedures before the drill. For a complete list of shelter locations, go to the Building Evacuation and Shelter Locations Reference Chart.

Tornado Facts

• Wind speeds can reach in excess of 300 mph.
• Paths of destruction can be more than a mile wide and 50 miles long.
• Tornadoes can occur at any time of day, but most frequently occur between 3:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m.
• Tornadoes in Missouri peak March through June, but can occur at any time of year.
• Missouri has averaged 46.7 tornadoes per year.
• Missouri is in the top 10 states that experience tornadoes.
• The U.S. averages 71 deaths per year from tornadoes.

Be Smart. Stay Safe.

The spring semester test of the Missouri State Alert system will occur on Tuesday, January 21st at 10:50 a.m. The test will provide an email to all members of the campus community. It will also send a text and voice message to those that have provided this information. If you do not receive this test via the methods you desire, please go to the Missouri State Alert website to manage your preferences or to learn more about this vital communications tool. This test provides a good opportunity to review your emergency plans.

Also, if you want to have the latest safety information, subscribe to the Safety First blog. Safety tips and crime information is posted throughout the semester. Finally, if you need additional information, please visit the University Safety website.

There is a smell of natural gas in the area around National Avenue and Trafficway due to gas main break. The smell from this break is noticeable as far as Kentwood Hall. There is not a threat to Kentwood or other parts of campus.

At college, you have many possessions in your residence hall, apartment or house that are important to you. This may include laptops, tablets, televisions, gaming systems, documents, bicycles, and skateboards. You may also find yourself hosting your friends and others at your place. These can run from a small gathering of close friends to a big crowd where you have many guests you do not know. When having unfamiliar people to your house, there are some basic safety rules you should follow.

• Ensure that individuals that are entering your home are guests. Strangers can slip in and make off with your stuff because no one knew they weren’t invited.
• Don’t leave the front door wide open as an open invitation to anyone off the street. Even with a house full of guests, always lock your doors.
• Secure valuables in a safe area when entertaining others. Don’t make it easy for someone thinking they can make a quick snatch and run.

Other things you can do to reduce the risk of theft include:

• Maintain outside lighting and landscaping.
• Report suspicious activity near your residence.
• Secure your vehicle and remove valuables from your vehicle.

As an example, this past weekend a group of students were entertaining friends at their off-campus home. During the party, an individual unknown to anyone at the residence, entered the home and made off with several valuable items. Fortunately, an occupant noticed the individual and they notified the host who filed a report with the Springfield Police Department. An MSU substation officer investigated the incident and a short time later, located the suspect and obtained most of the items that were reported missing. The outcome of this could have been far different.

It is unfortunate some individuals will take advantage of a situation to make a few bucks. However, following these few simple safety measures can help you enjoy your night with friends rather than spending it with police trying to track down your stuff.