Tornado Safety Information

Severe Weather​

Tornado Watch vs. Tornado Warning

** At the first sign of lightning, all students should be inside the building. **

Tornado Watch:

Conditions are right for a tornado.

Tornado Warning:

A funnel cloud has been sighted. Take cover.

If the National Weather Service issues a severe weather alert notice, the following procedures will be executed:

A.  TORNADO WATCH is a forecast for the possibility of one (1) or more tornadoes across a large geographic area. When a tornado or severe thunderstorm watch is issued, the District will continue normal activities but move recess and physical education activities indoors. Each building and department shall designate someone to be responsible for continuously monitoring weather conditions and the local media while students are in the building or on the premises. School will not be dismissed early and dismissal time will be at the regular time even if the watch is still in effect. If a tornado watch is issued before the start of school, the superintendent or her/his designee shall determine if a delay or cancellation is appropriate.

B. If the National Weather Service issues a TORNADO WARNING (which means that a tornado has either been sighted or considered to be imminent in the warned area), students will remain in school, along with staff in pre-designated shelter areas, until the warning has been canceled. If the National Weather Service issues a TORNADO WARNING before the start of school, school will be canceled or delayed as appropriate

Administrator’s Responsibilities

• Office staff to monitor the Early Warning Weather Radio.
• Upon activation, office staff shall notify the Administrator-in-Charge and Central Office.
• Monitor developing weather conditions using spotter positions as appropriate .
• If conditions warrant protective measures to be taken, order students/staff to proceed to the shelter area.
• If there is a medical emergency call 911.
• Administrator announces when students/staff are to return to their rooms.
• If damage has occurred to the building, the Administrator is to evacuate the affected areas/campus.

Staff’s Responsibilities

• Shelter in place, or proceed to other areas of the building as directed.
• Account for all classroom occupants.
• Remain calm.
• Close windows and doors; do not lock.
• Report to your designated area and call roll. (Follow posted directions.)
• If there are additional students in your class, notify student’s teacher.
• Wait for further instructions.

K-8:

• Report missing students to the office (K-8 only).

High School:

• Maintain accurate records and email any missing students, including student ID number, to instructional Assistant building administrator with a copy to the building administrator and Secretary as soon as possible.

Custodial Staff Responsibilities

• Monitor developing weather conditions.
• Contact the “On-Call” Supervisor for direction.
• If conditions warrant protective measures to be taken, order students/staff are to proceed to the shelter area.
• If there is a medical emergency call 911.
• If damage has occurred to the building, evacuate the affected areas/campus.