Miami University

News Release

News and Public Information Office
Glos Center
Miami University
Oxford, Ohio 45056
(513) 529-7592
(513) 529-1950 fax
newsinfo@muohio.edu

Severe Weather Awareness Week

03/23/2012

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Severe Weather Awareness Week

Ohio’s Severe Weather Awareness Week is observed this week, March 25-31. Severe weather can strike at any time, but in southwestern Ohio, the months of April through July see the most severe thunderstorms.

As part of a coordinated effort with the Ohio Committee for Severe Weather Awareness, the state will participate in a statewide tornado drill and test its Emergency Alert System at 9:50 a.m. March 28. During this time, Ohio counties will sound their outdoor warning sirens.

Although Miami does not participate in the statewide drill, area businesses, households and schools are encouraged to practice their tornado drills and emergency plans.

Be aware of Miami’s Emergency Preparedness procedures for severe weather:

• If a tornado or severe thunderstorm poses an imminent threat to one of Miami's campuses, an emergency text message and e-mail alert will be issued.

• Campus closures will be communicated through messages posted to the Miami University website and the e-mail and cell phone text message system.

Be sure to subscribe to Miami's emergency text messaging service and keep your registered device turned on and close by if severe weather is expected.

Tornado safety

• The safest place to be during a tornado is a basement.
If the building has no basement or cellar, go to a small room (a bathroom or closet) on the lowest level of the structure, away from windows and as close to the center of the building as possible.

• Be aware of emergency shelter plans in stores, offices and schools.
If no specific shelter has been identified, move to the building's lowest level. Try to avoid areas with large glass windows, large rooms and wide-span roofs such as auditoriums, cafeterias, large hallways or shopping malls.

For more information about tornado safety and severe weather awareness go to www.weathersafety.ohio.gov.