Severe Weather
In the event of a severe storm, University officials will determine whether to close the University. Official closings will be communicated on Centralities, UCONNECT, the UCO website, UCO social media pages, local media, and in the opt-in Central Alert weather notification text. Find more information on the Inclement Weather page of the UCO website.
Students, faculty, and staff are automatically in the Central Alert system, based on personal information provided to the university. It is the responsibility of the student or employee to keep their contact information up to date.
Tornado Instructions
Definitions:
A tornado watch means weather is favorable for tornadoes, but no tornado has been detected in the immediate area.
A tornado warning means a tornado has been spotted. Tornado sirens sound when a tornado may strike within 15 minutes.
What you should do:
- If a tornado warning is issued, follow the instructions that will be given over the intercom:
"A tornado warning has been announced and you need to move to a safe area in the building. DO NOT leave the building! Move away from the perimeter and exterior of the building and go quickly to the lower level using south stairwells of the Library. Stay in the stairwells below the first floor level."
- Staff will evacuate the floors, but will not stay if a patron refuses to leave the area. Staff will close office doors and exit to the south stairwells.
- The stairwells on the south side leading to the basement are designated safe areas.
The stairways below the first floor landing, the basement landing, and the area outside of the Telephone offices into the front of the library storage area in the basement can be used if needed because of the number of people in the library.
- The first floor bathrooms on the north side are designated as a secondary shelter.
- Sit down and protect yourself by putting your head as close to your lap as possible, or kneel, protecting your head. Make every effort to remain calm and encourage those around you to do likewise.
- If you cannot reach the shelter area, seek protection under a desk as far away from the windows as possible.
- Familiarize yourself with the list of UCO tornado shelters and locations map.
Do NOT:
- Do not use the elevators
- Do not use the main stairwell under the glass ceiling unless this is your safest and fastest route to the basement
- Do not remain near windows
- Do not leave the building unless you are instructed to do so
