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Contact Us
Severe Weather
UMSL Police Department monitors the National Weather Warning System. A Tornado Watch is issued when weather conditions are favorable for tornado development. A Severe Thunderstorm Warning may also be issued when potentially damaging thunderstorms threaten the area.
When severe weather develops:
- Keep alert of developing conditions by listening/viewing current weather conditions on internet, radio, etc.
- Minimize use of telephones and electrical equipment, and sinks or showers.
- Think about accountability. Notify others of severe weather risk.
- Be aware of where you will go if weather conditions become unfavorable. Consider the "safe areas" in your building—basements and lower floors - interior rooms or corridors, away from windows. closing doors to rooms with windows.
- If outside, seek shelter immediately. Get out of standing water. If you feel your hair standing on end, squat down but do not lay flat on the ground. If driving, slow down to prevent hydroplaning.
Saint Louis County Police Department will activate the “Outdoor Warning System” whenever the National Weather Service issues a Tornado Warning for a countyadjacent to Saint Louis County. If a Tornado Warning is subsequently issued for Saint Louis County, the sirens willagain be activated.
When you hear a warning siren (or are otherwise notified of severe weather event):
- Take shelter in safe areas of your building — basements and lower floors, interior rooms and corridors, away from windows, closing doors to rooms with windows.
- Keep a safe distance from glass, especially large, exterior-facing windows.
- Avoid rooms below large, free-span roof sections, such as gymnasiums and auditoriums, or corridors with exposed piping or utilities.
- If necessary, sit or kneel on the floor under heavy furniture or against the wall with your hands on your head.
- Do not leave your place of safety until the storm passes or you are instructed to do so.
If caught out in the open, on or off campus, and the storm warnings sound, evaluate your situation quickly. Get inside a building if possible, seek a lower floor or inner corridor. Even a metal building will offer some protection. If no buildings are close by, lie flat in the nearest depression, such as a ditch or ravine.
If there is time, move away from the path of the tornado at a right angle. Do not seek shelter under bridges or overpasses. Use extreme caution due to flying debris but do not try to outrun the storm.
After the emergency has passed:
- Check on others in the area—Contact Police at 5155 to report injuries (or911)
- Watch for broken glass or damaged electrical lines – Report damage to police.
- Immediately leave a badly damaged building and report to outdoor rally points for accountability and post-disaster operations.
