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Emergency Action Quick Reference and Sheltering In Place

This page provides the most immediate information you should know during an emergency. Please remember that each situation is unique and you must be prepared to alter your actions as the situation evolves. Please refer to the full EKU Emergency Action Plan (EAP) for more detailed information about actions you can take to ensure your safety.

Shelter In Place

The concept of seeking shelter is to provide protection from an outside atmosphere or condition that may be immediately dangerous to life, health, or safety.

Our initial advice to shelter-in-place is our way of informing you that there is a dangerous or potentially dangerous condition and that you should protect yourself, take shelter in a secure place, and avoid the area in question. We will provide more specific information and updates as more becomes known about the situation.

Because shelter-in-place may be the protective action recommendation for several emergencies with differing risks, and because sometimes the initial recommendation is to shelter-in-place followed by relocation, there is no single set of shelter-in-place procedures. Based on the type of emergency, such as tornado, hostile intruder (actual or potential violence), or hazardous material release outside, you should consult each relevant EAP section for guidance.

Emergencies change as they progress. In a dangerous or potentially dangerous situation, you must quickly determine the most reasonable way to protect your own life. One of the first possibilities to consider is that you should quickly seek a safe environment through evacuation or sheltering.

The questions to ask yourself are:
Am I safer inside or outside?
Where am I safest inside?
Where am I safest outside?

  • If you receive a communication (i.e. a phone call, written note, text, or electronic communication) or have information concerning a communication about a bomb threat or other attack, preserve as much information as you can, immediately report the incident to EKU Police, and provide as much detail as possible.
  • Protect yourself and create and manage distance and shielding from a perceived threat.
  • Call 911 or 2-1111 from any campus telephone or if by cell phone, call (859) 622-1111 (on Richmond Campus) or 911 (off Richmond Campus).

Civil disturbances include riots, demonstrations, threatening individuals or assemblies that have become disruptive.

If you observe such disturbances:

  • Call the police. Dial 911, use an Emergency Call Box, or Dial 859-622-1919 or 859-622-1111 from your cell phone if you are on campus
  • Provide the address, location, and any details available to the dispatcher
  • Do not provoke or become part of the disturbance
    Secure your work area, log off computers and secure sensitive files, if safe to do so
  • Remain inside and away from doors and windows if the disturbance is outside

If you are confronted by angry, belligerent, or violent individuals, use the following steps when communicating with them:

  • Remain calm
  • Be courteous and confident
  • Allow the opportunity for the person to express their feelings and concerns
  • Listen respectfully and objectively
  • Alert the police immediately if a threat exists
  • Notify your supervisor and your department chair as soon as you are able

Do NOT:

  • Corner or crowd the hostile individual
  • Attempt to touch the individual
  • Blame anyone
  • “Blow off” the hostile individual

Sample defusing questions:

  • How can I help you?
  • Tell me more about this issue.
  • What are your concerns?
  • What do you want to accomplish?

Further action may include:

  • Keep at a safe distance
  • Move to a neutral location with more than one exit, if possible
  • Leave the door open and have another person join you
  • Alert counseling or advising staff who can help with the individual’s concerns

Protect Yourself First: Create and manage distance and shielding from threats. Generally, the farther you move away from a threat, and the more solid and stable objects that you position between you and a threat, the safer you are from that threat.

Call 911 from a campus or public telephone or use an Emergency Call Box. Dial 911 from your cell phone (off campus) and dial 859-622-1919 or 859-622-1111 from your cell phone (on campus). Save these numbers in your cell phone.

Give your name, location, and phone number. The dispatcher should be told that THE INCIDENT IS IN-PROGRESS. Describe the nature of the incident and its location. Describe any injuries, weapons, hazards, devices, and property involved. Describe the people involved, where they are, and where they went.

Stay on the line with the dispatcher until help arrives. Keep the dispatcher updated on any changes so responding units can be updated. Even if you cannot communicate, keep the line open. The Dispatcher may be able to learn more about what is happening.

Drop, Cover & Hold On

  • Drop down to the floor
  • Take cover under something sturdy and protect your head, neck, and torso
  • Keep away from overhead fixtures, windows, unsecured cabinets/shelves/stacked objects, and any other hazards that may pose a threat during the occurrence
  • Hold on to a secure object until the shaking has stopped and you are sure it is safe to exit
  • Evacuate if the fire alarm sounds or if instructed by emergency responders
  • Move away from buildings and other things that may collapse or fall

In a life-threatening emergency: Dial 911 from a campus or public telephone or use an emergency call box.

Dial 911 from your cell phone (off campus) and dial 859-622-1919 or 859-622-1111 from your cell phone (on campus). Save these numbers in your cell phone.

  • Protect Yourself First: Create and manage distance and shielding from threats. Generally, the farther you move away from a threat, and the more solid and stable objects that you position between you and a threat, the safer you are from that threat.
  • Call 911 or 859-622-1919 or 859-622-1111
  • Describe the nature of the incident and its location
  • Describe any injuries, weapons, hazards, devices, and property involved
  • Describe the people involved, where they are, and where they went
  • Stay on the line with the dispatcher until help arrives
  • Keep the dispatcher updated on any changes so responding units can be updated
  • Even if you cannot communicate, keep the line open
  • The dispatcher may be able to learn more about what is happening

  • Take cover and protect your head, neck, and torso
  • Leave the area as soon as it is safe to do so
  • Do not use elevators
  • Move away from the affected area and stay clear
  • If you are trapped in debris, signal your location with any means available
  • Avoid any unnecessary movement and cover your nose and mouth to help filter your breathing
  • Call 911 or 2-1111 from any campus phone or if by cell phone, call (859) 622-1111 (on Richmond campus) or 911 (off Richmond campus)

IF YOU ARE TRAPPED IN DEBRIS
Signal your location. Use a flashlight. Tap on a pipe or wall. Use a whistle. Shout only as a last resort. Avoid unnecessary movement and cover your nose and mouth to filter your breathing.

E.A.C.H. person is responsible for their own safety.

If you discover a fire or smoke or if you hear a fire alarm:

  • E. Evacuate the building – GET OUT – don’t use elevators – use stairs – close (don’t lock) doors to contain fire
  • A. Alert others on your way out – activate the fire alarm (if not already activated)
  • C. Call (911) for help – report to emergency responders information about the fire/smoke/need for rescue
  • H. Have a plan – you must protect yourself – be knowledgeable about fire safety and take every alarm seriously. Know your ways out of every occupied space.

HOT DOOR
Do not open. Escape through a window if you can. If you cannot escape, hang a white or light-colored cloth outside the window, alerting fire/rescue to your presence. Seal yourself in for safety if you cannot exit due to smoke or fire. Call the fire department to report your exact location. Gather in a room with a window to await their arrival. Close all doors between you and the fire. Use duct tape or towels to create a seal around the door and over air vents in order to keep smoke from coming in.

COLD DOOR
Open slowly and ensure fire and/or smoke is not blocking your escape route. If your escape route is blocked, shut the door immediately and use an alternate escape route. If clear, leave immediately through the door and close it behind you. Be prepared to crawl. Smoke and heat rise. The air is clearer and cooler near the floor.

FLOOD WATCH
Flooding is possible. Be prepared to move to higher ground. Tune in to NOAA weather radio, commercial radio, or television for information.

FLOOD WARNING
Flooding is occurring or will occur soon; If advised to evacuate, do so immediately.

FLASH FLOOD WARNING
Seek higher ground on foot immediately.

Preparing for the flood:

  • Be aware of streams, drainage channels, canyons, and other areas known to flood. Flash floods can occur in these areas with or without such typical warnings as rain clouds or heavy rain.
    Construct barriers (levees, beams, floodwalls) to stop floodwater from entering your area.
  • Flooding can occur due to a fire emergency. If your area is protected by an automatic sprinkler system, it can activate during a fire.
  • In an automatic sprinkler system, a network of piping filled with water under pressure is installed behind the walls and ceilings, and individual sprinklers are placed along the piping to protect the areas beneath them. Because the water is in the piping, the fire sprinkler system is always “on call”. If fire breaks out, the air temperature above the fire rises and the sprinkler activates when the air temperature gets high enough. The sprinkler sprays water forcefully over the flames, extinguishing them completely in most cases, or at least controlling the heat and limiting the development of toxic smoke until the fire department arrives. Only the sprinkler(s) nearest the fire activate. Smoke will not activate sprinklers.
  • The activation of an automatic sprinkler system will cause flooding and water damage to areas beneath the sprinkler heads. You should take precautions to protect property from water damage. Items should not be placed directly on the floor and valuables should be insured.

Evacuation Tips:

  • Secure your area. If you have time, bring outdoor property inside. Move essential items to an upper floor or at least up off of the floor.
  • Turn off utilities at the main switches or valves if instructed to do so. Disconnect electrical appliances. Do not touch electrical equipment if you are wet or standing in water.
  • Do not walk through moving water. Six inches of moving water can make you fall. If you have to walk in water, walk where the water is not moving. Use a stick to check the firmness of the ground in front of you.
  • Do not drive into flooded areas. If floodwaters rise around your car, abandon the car and move to higher ground if you can do so safely. You and the vehicle can be quickly swept away.

Driving Flood Facts:

  • Six inches of water will reach the bottom of most passenger cars causing loss of control and possible stalling.
  • A foot of water will float many vehicles.
  • Two feet of rushing water can carry away most vehicles including sport utility vehicles and pick-ups.

Release or Spill (small scale incident)

Evacuate the release or spill area. Secure the location. Isolate exposed individuals for:

  • Decontamination
  • Evaluation
  • Treatment

Call 911 or 859-622-1111 to report the incident. Shut down relevant utilities and room HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning).

Off-Campus Chemical Release or Spill (Community Wide Event)
Examples: Highway, Railway, Industrial, or Blue Grass Army Depot

Protective Action Decisions (PADs) are issued by the Madison County Emergency Management Agency (EMA). Eastern Kentucky University is primarily located in Zone 2E and Zone 2D. Meadowbrook Farm is located in Zone 1C. White Hall State Historic Site is located in Zone 3A. And Central KY Regional Airport is located in Zone 3D.

EMA issues PADs that may include:

  • Shelter-In-Place (SIP) (until the immediate danger passes)
  • Evacuation (if there is enough time before the danger arrives)
  • Relocation (when it is safe to come out of Sheltering-In-Place)

Shelter-in-Place Actions to Take by Faculty, Staff, and Students:

Should the decision be made by the Madison County Emergency Management Agency for EKU to shelter-in-place, the following should be done immediately by all faculty, staff, and students:

  • Move inside one of the following buildings (enhanced shelter in place):
  • Combs Building
  • Dizney Building
  • Model Gymnasium
  • Perkins Building
  • University Building
  • Whitlock Building
  • Note: Alumni Coliseum was an enhanced shelter in place building, but it is currently unavailable for use, as it is under renovation. It will be restored as an enhanced shelter in place building, once renovations are complete, which is anticipated to be in August 2025, (date is subject to change).
  • Move all personnel into the protected area when notified that a hazardous event has occurred.
  • Please assist special needs individuals to the shelter areas.
  • Manually close and latch all perimeter doors and windows.
  • Start the ESIP protection system by pushing the red start button on the face of the control panel. Any individual may activate the system when needed. EKU Public Safety officials may not be in your ESIP building.
  • Keep all doors and windows closed and remain in the protected area until notified that the hazard has been cleared.
  • After being notified that the hazard is gone, stop the ESIP protection system by pushing the red start button again. Any individual may deactivate the system when the all clear order is given. EKU Public Safety officials may not be in your ESIP building.
  • Perimeter doors can then be opened.
  • Exit to the outside.
  • Personnel may be directed to relocate out of the affected area.

If you cannot go to an ESIP building you should follow these general guidelines:

  • Take family, friends, and/or visitors immediately indoors.
    Close and lock all windows and doors. Locking creates a better seal.
  • Shut off heating/air-conditioning systems (if possible) and fans that draw air from the outside.
  • Close vents.
  • If you have a fireplace, put out the fire and close the damper.
  • Go to the room you have chosen as your shelter. Bring your personal shelter kit, enough food and water for a few hours, your Advisor Alert Radio, a portable AM/FM radio, and a flashlight into this room. We recommend that you keep both your Advisor Alert Radio and Shelter In Place kit in your selected shelter.
  • Shut and seal the door to the rest of the building with plastic and duct tape. Put duct tape on electrical outlets and vents. Use duct tape and plastic to cover any windows.
  • Note: You will not run out of air in a shelter room. Sealing the room just slows the flow of air from the outside, protecting you longer from possible exposure.
  • Listen to one of the local emergency alert system radio stations for further instructions.
  • Local emergency alert system radio stations: WCBR 1110 AM, WEKY 1340 AM, WKXO 1500 AM, WIRV 1550 AM, WEKU 88.9 FM (EKU campus radio), WCYO 100.7 FM, WLFX 106.7 FM

Evacuation or Relocation (Know Your Zone and Go)

Should the decision be made by the Madison County Emergency Management Agency for EKU to evacuate, the following should be done by all faculty, staff, and students:

  • EKU faculty, staff, and students with personal transportation.
    Immediately drive north on I-75 to Jacobson Park (or other location in Fayette Co as determined by the Madison County EMA) to receive further emergency instructions from the Madison County EMA.
  • EKU faculty, staff, and students without personal transportation. Immediately report to the Alumni Coliseum Lot as the staging area for limited Shuttle Bus transportation to Jacobson Park (or other location in Fayette Co. as determined by Madison County EMA). This will take time because transportation resources will be stretched thin. Please follow the instructions of the EKU Police Department and the Madison Co. Emergency Management Agency.
  • Model faculty, staff, students, and after-school programs.
    Follow Model’s specific evacuation plan and take their assigned buses to evacuate to Dunbar High School.
  • Burrier Child Development Center staff and students should follow the CDC specific evacuation plan to Bryan Station High School.
  • Meadowbrook Farm faculty, staff, and students should follow the specific evacuation plan to Powell County High School.

Armed Intruder | Actual or Potential Violence:

In a dangerous, or potentially dangerous, situation, you must quickly determine the most reasonable way to protect your own life. You should seek a safe environment, without endangering others, through evacuation or sheltering

The concept of seeking shelter is to provide protection from an outside atmosphere or condition that may be immediately dangerous to life, health, or safety.

Protective Action Recommendations:

  • If a person enters your building with a weapon, immediately evacuate the building.
  • If a person is seen outdoors with a weapon, seek shelter in the nearest unsecured building or leave the area.
  • Warn other people in the area, provide assistance as you are able, and try to remain calm.
  • Protect yourself. Hide out, by seeking shelter, and taking cover, in a secure place within a building.
  • Generally speaking, and outside of the Pre-K or K-12 environment, unless you can do so quickly and easily, without exposing yourself to the danger, do not worry about locking the perimeter doors of your building. Consider that other innocents might try to seek refuge inside of your building as well. You should look for small, interior, securable, spaces to hide out in.
  • If you are away from the area involved, stay away.
  • Call 911, when it is safe to do so, if you need help or if you have information relevant to the incident.

Good practices for coping with a potentially dangerous intruder:

  • Be aware of your environment and any possible dangers.
  • Take note of the two nearest exits in any facility you visit.
  • If you are in an office, stay there, and secure the door.
  • If you are in a hallway, get into a room, and secure the door.
  • If you cannot get into an office or a room, you should try to escape or improvise another hiding place.

Hostile Intruder | Hostage Situation:

Calm: Stay as calm as you can. When hostages panic, hostage takers panic, and the situation can escalate beyond the intruders original intentions. Be alert but maintain a low profile. You can appear calm by following directions and avoiding sensitive topics in any conversation with the hostage taker. Maintain eye contact with the captor when speaking with them but do not stare. Be as polite and friendly as possible.

Avoid drastic action if you are not in immediate danger of death or serious physical injury. Be observant. You may be released or you may escape. The personal safety of others may depend on your memory.

Connect: By empathizing or appearing to empathize with your captor, you may become a person to them rather than a bargaining chip. In some cases, by creating a bond, hostages have been able to make their captors unwilling to harm them. By connecting and personalizing the interactions, you buy yourself time by slowing things down. Encourage the negotiation process and keep the focus on outside contact.

Capitalize: While encouraging a negotiated release or some other peaceful conclusion, remain alert to rescue efforts and escape opportunities. Drink water and eat if food is available. Rest when you can. It is important to keep your strength up and remain as healthy as possible. If medications, first aid, or restroom privileges are needed by anyone, say so.

If things change and the intruder becomes an active killer, as a victim you have two basic options:

  • Get Out: Escape any way possible: through doors, windows, or stairs, and run at angles away from the threat, placing cover or obstacles between you and the danger until you are safe.
  • Take Out: Disarm and disable the intruder as quickly as possible with as much force as needed.

When Police Arrive: Do not pose a threat. Show and empty your hands. Get down on the ground. Follow the orders of the police.

Active Violence | Active Shooter:

Protect yourself and warn others (create and manage distance and shielding from threats). Plan for your survival – Reasonable options can include:

R.S.V.P. = Run – Shelter & Shield – Vigorously Fight – Play

  • Run: Run from the threat if you think you can do so safely. Run at angles from the shooter and put cover or obstacles between you and the danger.
  • Shelter & Shield: Shelter or shield yourself from the threat if you think that running might place you in more danger. Lock yourself in a defensible space and call for help.
  • Vigorously Fight: Fight an attacker if you think that greater harm will come to you if you do not fight. If you fight, you must be valiant, vicious, and victorious. If you fight, verbalize: Stop! – Drop the Weapon! – Down on the Ground!
  • Play: Play incapacitated or play whatever you think, if you think it might help your chances of survival.
  • Call 911 for Help: Report to police as soon as you are out of immediate danger.
  • Give your name, telephone number, and location. Describe the nature of the incident and its location.
  • Describe any injuries, weapons, hazards, or devices.
  • Describe the people involved: where they are, where they went
  • Stay on the line with the dispatcher until help arrives.
  • Keep the dispatcher updated on any changes so responding units can be updated.
  • Even if you cannot communicate, keep the line open. The dispatcher may be able to learn more about what is happening.

Evacuate or Shelter-in-Place | Secure-in-Place | Take Shelter in a Secure Place

  • Escape if you can and avoid the danger.
  • Move out of public areas into an office or classroom, if you cannot escape.
  • Assemble/account for those whom you are responsible.
  • Close and lock the doors and windows, if possible.
  • Barricade the door if it will not lock.
  • Obstruct sight lines into the secured area.
  • Turn lights and A/V off, get down, and take cover away from doors and windows.
  • Avoid fields of fire, be quiet, pretend no one is home, and do not answer or open the door.
  • Wait for police to help you out of the building.

What To Do When Police Arrive? Police priority is to stop the threat.

  • Follow the orders of the police
  • Do not pose a threat
  • Show and empty your hands
  • Get down on the ground

Check – Call – Care

  • Check the scene for safety. Check the victim(s) for consciousness.
  • Call 911 or 2-1111 from any campus telephone or if by cell phone, call (859) 622-1111 (on Richmond campus) or 911 (off Richmond campus).
  • Care for illness or injuries (first aid) only if you have been trained and certified to do so.
  • Do not move someone unless safety dictates

Preparing for a Power Outage

Assemble Essential Supplies:

  • Flashlight
  • Batteries
  • Portable radio with batteries
  • At least one gallon of water
  • A small supply of food
  • Due to the risk of fire, do not use candles during a power outage

Top Safety Tips for a Power Outage:

  • Only use a flashlight for emergency lighting. Never use candles!
  • Turn off electrical equipment you were using when the power went out.
  • Avoid opening the refrigerator and freezer.
  • Do not run a generator inside a home or garage.
  • If you use a generator, connect the equipment you want to power directly to the outlets on the generator. Do not connect a generator to a home’s electrical system.
  • Listen to local radio and television for updated information.

What to do During a Power Outage:

  • Turn off or disconnect any appliances, equipment (like air conditioners) or electronics you were using when the power went out. When power comes back on, it may come back with momentary “surges” or “spikes” that can damage equipment such as computers and motors in appliances like the air conditioner, refrigerator, washer, or furnace.
  • Leave one light turned on so you’ll know when your power returns.
  • Leave the doors of your refrigerator and freezer closed to keep your food as fresh as possible. If you must eat food that was refrigerated or frozen, check it carefully for signs of spoilage.
  • Use the phone for emergencies only. Listening to a portable radio can provide the latest information. Do not call 9-1-1 for information -only call to report a life-threatening emergency.
  • If you have a telephone or system that requires electricity to work, plan for alternate communication, including a cellular telephone or radio.
  • Eliminate unnecessary travel, especially by car. Traffic signals will stop working during an outage, creating traffic congestion.
  • Keep your car fuel tank at least half full because gas stations rely on electricity to power their pumps.
  • Remember that equipment such as automated teller machines (ATMs) and elevators may not work during a power outage.
  • If it is hot outside, take steps to remain cool. Move to the lowest level of your home, as cool air falls. Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing. Drink plenty of water, even if you do not feel thirsty. If the heat is intense and the power may be off for a long time, consider going to a movie theater, shopping mall, or “cooling shelter” that may be opened in your community. Listen to local radio or television for more information.
  • Remember to provide plenty of fresh, cool water for others including your pets.
  • If it is cold outside, put on layers of warm clothing. Never burn charcoal for heating or cooking indoors. Never use your oven as a source of heat. If the power may be out for a prolonged period, plan to go to another location (relative, friend, or public facility) that has heat to keep warm.

Vaccinate
A flu vaccine is the best way to protect against flu. The flu vaccine protects against three different flu viruses. Getting a vaccine is very important for people at high risk for serious flu complications and their close contacts. People at high risk include infants, pregnant women, people with chronic health conditions like asthma, diabetes or heart disease, and people 65 and older.

Stop Germs
Cover your cough. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, or cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve, not your hands. Throw the tissue away after you use it. Clean your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. If you are not near water, use an alcohol-based hand cleaner. Stay away as much as you can from people who are sick. If you get the flu, stay home from work or school. If you are sick, do not go near other people so that you don’t make them sick. Try not to touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. Germs often spread this way.

Antiviral Drugs
There are flu antiviral drugs that can treat the flu or prevent infection with flu viruses. For treatment, antiviral drugs should be started within 48 hours of getting sick. For prevention, antiviral drugs are 70% to 90% effective in preventing infection. These drugs must be prescribed by a health care provider. If you develop flu-like symptoms (usually a high fever, headache, extreme tiredness, dry cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle aches, stomach symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea), or are exposed to the flu before you get a flu vaccine, your health care professional will decide whether you should take antiviral drugs.

  • If you receive or are notified of a suspicious package, STOP.
    Do not handle the package. Do not open, touch, taste, or smell the item.
  • Evacuate the area immediately.
  • Call 911 or 2-1111 from any campus telephone or if by cell phone, call (859) 622-1111 (on Richmond campus) or 911 (off Richmond campus).
  • Do not use cell phones or radios in close proximity to any suspicious device or package.

SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH
Severe thunderstorms are likely to occur. Watch the sky and stay tuned to NOAA weather radio, commercial radio, or television for information.

SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING
Severe weather has been reported by spotters or indicated by radar. Warnings indicate imminent danger to life and property to those in the path of the storm.

  • Seek inside shelter, in the best available area for refuge.
  • Consider the following:
  • Move to the lowest level of a permanent structure.
  • Close windows and doors.
  • Seek interior rooms on the lowest floors possible without windows and outside wall exposure (interior hallways, restrooms, classrooms, offices, etc.).
  • Avoid single story wide-span roof areas such as auditoriums, gymnasiums, cafeterias, etc. if at all possible. If located in a structure of this nature stay away from the outside walls and windows.
  • Attempt to stay calm and follow instructions being communicated through EKU Alerts and other media outlets.
    Use your arms to protect your head and neck.
  • Remain sheltered until the severe weather warning has expired.
  • Observed damage may be reported to Facility Services at 859-622-2966.

IF YOU ARE IN A FOREST
Seek shelter in a low area under a thick growth of small trees.

IF YOU ARE IN AN OPEN AREA
Go to a low place such as a ravine or valley. Be alert for flash floods.

IF YOU ARE ON OPEN WATER
Get to land and find shelter immediately.

IF YOU ARE ANYWHERE YOU FEEL YOUR HAIR STAND ON END (indicates lightening is about to strike)
Squat low to the ground on the balls of your feet. Place your hands over your ears and your head between your knees. Make yourself the smallest target possible and minimize your contact with the ground. Do not lie flat on the ground.

TORNADO WATCH
Tornadoes are possible. Remain alert for approaching storms. Watch the sky and stay tuned to NOAA weather radio, commercial radio, or television for information.

  • Be Prepared! Tornadoes are possible in and near the watch area.
  • Review and discuss emergency plans.
  • Be ready to act quickly if a warning is issued or you suspect a tornado is approaching.
  • Monitor weather announcements.
  • If you are on an upper floor, and the likelihood of a tornado warning being issued exists, consider moving to the lowest level of a permanent structure while the elevator (if there is one) can be safely utilized.

Local emergency alert system radio stations: WCBR 1110 AM, WEKY 1340 AM, WKXO 1500 AM, WIRV 1550 AM, WEKU 88.9 FM, WCYO 100.7 FM, WLFX 106.7 FM

TORNADO WARNING
A tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar.

  • TAKE SHELTER IMMEDIATELY.
  • D = Downstairs: Get to the lowest level you can, a basement if you have one, or just the ground floor.
  • U = Under: Get under something sturdy like a heavy table or staircase to protect yourself from flying objects. Protect your head.
  • C = Center: Go to the center part of a permanent structure. Put as many walls as you can between you and the outside. A closet, hallway or bathroom in the middle of the building is a good choice.
  • K = Keep Away: Keep away from exterior doors and windows, which can be sources of flying glass and debris.

IF YOU ARE IN A STRUCTURE
Go to a pre-designated shelter area such as a safe room, basement, storm cellar, or the lowest building level. If there is no basement, go to the center of an interior room on the lowest level (closet, interior hallway) away from corners, windows, doors, and outside walls. Put as many walls as possible between you and the outside. Get under a sturdy table and use your arms to protect your head and neck. Do not open windows.

IF YOU ARE IN A VEHICLE, TRAILER, OR MOBILE HOME
Get out immediately and go to the lowest floor of a sturdy, nearby building or a storm shelter. Mobile homes, even if tied down, offer little protection from tornadoes.

IF YOU ARE OUTSIDE WITH NO SHELTER
Lie flat in a nearby ditch or depression and cover your head with your hands. Be aware of the potential for flooding. Do not get under an overpass or bridge. You are safer in a low, flat location. Never try to outrun a tornado in urban or congested areas in a car or truck. Instead, leave the vehicle immediately for safe shelter. Watch out for flying debris. Flying debris from tornadoes causes most fatalities and injuries.

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