State-wide tornado drill will commence on March 25th
Monday, March 23, 2015
Written by: Office of Strategic Communication

As we once again enter severe weather season, it's important for those on campus to get reacquainted with the University of Iowa's notification systems and how to take the necessary precautions to ensure only your own safety, but the safety of others.

The UI will participate in the annual statewide tornado drill at approximately 10 a.m. on Wednesday, March 25.

As part of this test the sirens in Johnson County and at the University of Iowa will be activated. Because of this test there will not be a siren test on the first Wednesday of April.

Additionally, on March 25th the National Weather Service in Iowa and Nebraska will be conducting a live test of the Emergency Alert System (EAS). More about EAS can be found at the EAS website.

It is vital to understand that there isn't a method to ensure everyone will receive notification of extreme weather conditions in a timely manner. The best safety plan in any situation includes shared responsibility.

Here are some things to keep in mind as we enter severe weather season:

  • Ensure that your notification information is updated on the UI's Hawk Alert System. Hawk Alert is a campus-wide notification system utilizing text and voice messaging as well as email notifications. Additional information can be found at the Hawk Alert website.
  • The UI has its own outdoor warning (siren) system. The system will be activated in conjunction with other sirens in the area to alert the public of impending severe weather. If you hear a siren or otherwise know a tornado warning is in effect, immediately take shelter.
  • If you are working indoors or at home during tornado season, bear in mind that local radio and television stations are your best system of tornado warnings.Those stations will interrupt regular programming to broadcast much needed weather information along with instructions to seek shelter.
  • It is recommended to seek shelter in rooms and corridors in the innermost part of a building at the lowest level. It is understood that everyone may not have access to the lowest level of a particular building. Interior rooms or corridors on any level can serve as additional shelter options. If possible, stay clear of windows, corridors with windows and attempt to avoid large free-standing expanses (examples are auditoriums and cafeterias). Remember, there is no guaranteed safe place during a tornado. However, it is important to seek shelter in the best location obtainable to help minimize your exposure.
  • If you know of others in the building, please inform them if you are aware of severe weather warnings; SPREAD THE WORD.
  • Be mindful of workmates, family or friends who may be hearing impaired and unable to hear an alarm, or of those who may not be aware of tornado warnings because they are sleeping, watching cable TV, a DVD or listening to music.
  • Be proactive. Keep informed on current weather conditions. TheNational Weather Service website offers detailed weather related information. You can enter a city or zip code.
  • Review the tornado section of the U of I Critical Incident Management Plan (CIMP) for general information.
  • If you are teaching, hosting or managing any group of people during tornado season, we encourage you to add checking the forecast to your preparation list and to announce emergency procedures at the start of your meetings. We encourage everyone to periodically check the weather forecast during the severe weather season.

Remember, we all need to remain watchful for future forecasts and look for opportunities to enhance our own safety as well as others at the UI and in the Iowa City community.

For additional information on tornados, you can visit the following websites: