The Springfield Greene County Office of Emergency Management will be conducting the statewide drill today. The monthly test for March 12th is cancelled.
The United States averages 70 deaths per year from tornadoes.
On March 6, Missouri State University will participate in a statewide tornado drill. This drill, part of a coordinated effort to enhance campus safety, will simulate emergency procedures in severe weather.
The Missouri State University Alert system will be activated at 11 a.m., March 6, across all communication channels.
In a tornado watch
During a real emergency, if Greene County is placed under a tornado watch, here’s what you should do:
- Don’t panic. A tornado watch means that a tornado could form in or near the watch area. It does not mean that a tornado has formed.
- Pay attention to the weather and review the university’s emergency action plan for severe weather and tornado procedures.
- Make sure your mobile devices are charged should a storm knock out electricity.
In a tornado warning
If Greene County is placed under a tornado warning it means a tornado has been seen or indicated on weather radar. There is danger to life and property. You should:
- Go to an identified campus storm shelter.
- Move quickly and cooperate with those in charge.
- If you are unsure of the shelter’s location, move to the lowest-level interior room. If you are in a residence hall, follow their severe weather guidelines.
- If you cannot reach shelter, lie flat in a ditch or depression. Avoid areas subject to flooding.
- Stay in the shelter until the warning is over. You will get a Missouri State Alert when the warning expires.
During a tornado warning, all classes and campus events are suspended. Campus shuttles will stop operating, and drivers will direct passengers to take shelter in the nearest building.
On Tuesday, March 7, 2023, Missouri will hold its annual statewide tornado drill at 10:00 a.m. Missouri State University 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
- Tornado sirens are designed as a warning for people outdoors.
- 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 and is part of “Tornado Alley”.
- The U.S. averages 70 deaths per year from tornadoes.
- Tornadoes are measured on the Enhanced Fujita Tornado Scale (EF) and can be EF0 – EF5 rated; only a few (0.1%) in the United States annually achieve EF5 status.
Be Smart. Stay Safe!
The spring test of the Missouri State Alert system will occur on Tuesday, January 31st 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.
The fall test of the Missouri State Alert system will occur on Tuesday, August 3oth 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.