Tornado Preparedness
General information: The tornado is a violent storm with whirling winds of tremendous speed. It appears as a rotating funnel shaped cloud which extends toward the ground from the base of a thundercloud. Peak time for tornados is from March through June, but they could occur any time of the year. The National Weather Service issues weather warnings to the public over radio and television stations. The cities of Vernon and Wichita Falls will sound warning sirens.
Tornado Watch: Means that weather conditions are favorable for tornadoes to develop.
Tornado Warning: Means a tornado has actually been sighted or indicated on radar. Procedures to be followed at Vernon College if a tornado warning is sounded:
- Under no circumstances should students attempt to leave campus while the warning is in effect.
- Classes will not be dismissed. Students will be directed to an interior hallway. Persons should lie on the floor as close to the wall as possible. Auditoriums, gymnasiums, or other free-span rooms should be avoided.
- If the building in which a student is located is not steel-framed or reinforced concrete construction, and time permits the student should move as quickly as possible to the nearest reinforced structure. Otherwise, move to a small room in the interior part of the building, seek shelter under heavy furniture and stay away from windows.