Severe Weather
Severe Weather Information
Weather Emergencies
When severe weather occurs, the administration will determine whether university offices will be closed. Check SVSU's status page, call the weather hotline, or listen to local TV and radio news broadcasts for the most up-to-date information. Remember, weather emergencies can pose a serious threat, so always stay calm and alert!
General Information
Follow these general recommendations if severe weather occurs:
- If weather conditions appear threatening, listen for a WATCH or WARNING through commercial radio, weather radio, and local television. The sirens on campus will be activated during a tornado warning.
- Keep a small, battery-operated radio on hand to listen to. It is a good way to stay informed.
- Use telephones for emergency calls only.
- Stay away from downed power lines. DO NOT handle live electrical equipment in wet areas.
- Leave the area immediately if you smell gas or vapors from chemicals.
- Help injured persons if you can do so without putting yourself at risk of injury. Provide first aid if you are trained. Report injuries by CALLING 911. DO NOT move injured persons unless they are in immediate danger.
- Report damage on campus to Facilities Services (989-964-4080) or Risk Management (989-964-6101).
Watch vs. Warning
A Watch is issued when severe weather (e.g., thunderstorms, tornados, flooding) is possible in and near the watch area. It does not mean that severe weather will occur. It only means it is possible.
A Warning is issued when severe weather (e.g. thunderstorms, tornados, flooding) is occurring or imminent in the warning area.
Learn More about watches, warnings, and advisories
Tornado
Follow these recommendations if there is news of a tornado in your area:
- If you hear about a tornado in your area, DO NOT wait until you see it to take cover.
- Seek shelter in the nearest building shelter area; if unknown, seek indoor shelter in the lowest interior space of the building (hallway, basement, restroom) away from windows, glass, and doors.
- Crouch near the floor or under heavy, well-supported objects. Cover your head.
- Avoid windows, corridors with windows, or large free-standing expanses (such as auditoriums and cafeterias). DO NOT use elevators during a tornado warning!
- If you are caught outside with no shelter, lie flat in a ditch or depression and cover your head.
- Watch out for flying debris. Flying debris from tornadoes causes most fatalities and injuries.
Prepare! Don't Let Tornadoes Take You by Surprise
Earthquake
Follow these recommendations if you experience an earthquake in your area:
- If indoors, drop to the ground and take cover by getting under a sturdy table or a piece of furniture. Hold on until the shaking stops.
- If there isn't a table or desk near you, cover your face and head with your arms and crouch in an inside corner of the building.
- Stay away from anything that could fall, such as lighting fixtures or heavy bookcases.
- Use a doorway for shelter only if it is nearby and if you know it is strongly supported.
- Stay inside until the shaking stops and it is safe to move about. Injuries most often occur when people inside buildings attempt to move during the earthquake. Beware of aftershocks.
- If you are outdoors, stay there. Move away from buildings, street lights, and utility wires.
- If in a VEHICLE, stop in the safest place available, preferably away from power lines and trees, Stop as quickly as safety permits, but stay in the vehicle for the shelter it offers if no other shelter is available.
- After the initial shock, evaluate the situation and if emergency help is necessary call the University Police at 911.
Flood
Follow these recommendations if there is news of a flood in your area:
- Be prepared to shelter-in-place or evacuate at a moment's notice.
- Be aware of streams, drainage channels, canyons, and other areas known to flood suddenly. Flash floods can occur in these areas with or without warning clouds or rain.
- Listen to area radio and television stations and a NOAA Weather Radio for possible flood warnings and reports of flooding in progress or other critical information from the National Weather Service.
- Flooding can happen anywhere at any time of the year. In Michigan, they are more likely during the spring and fall months. Floods are dangerous and can happen very quickly.
- The best protection in cases of floods is to stay informed.
Winter Weather
Pre-planning before a winter storm is the best practice. Make sure your home, office, and vehicles are stocked with supplies you may need
How to Prepare Before the Storm
During the Storm
If caught OUTSIDE in a winter storm and unable to find shelter indoors call University Police at 911.
If you must drive during a storm: SLOW DOWN! The speed limit is designed for optimal driving conditions not for winter weather.
Take a fully charged cell phone with you.
Let someone know where you are going and what route you will be taking.
Check the Before the Storm Button for emergency supplies that should be in your vehicle.
Additional Tips and information if outside, in a vehicle, or inside.
Severe Thunderstorm
- Severe Thunderstorms are officially defined as storms that are capable of producing hail one inch or larger in diameter and/or wind gusts over 58 mph.
- Stay informed about ongoing and future weather conditions. If a warning has been issued or you see the storm approaching:
- If OUTSIDE, move to a sturdy building. Taking shelter under a tree can be deadly as the tree may fall on you and you are at a greater risk of getting struck by lightning.
- If INSIDE, stay away from windows in case of damaging wind and/or hail. If damaging wind and/or large hail are approaching do not seek shelter in large open rooms such as cafeterias, gymnasiums, or auditoriums.
- If in a VEHICLE drive to the closest secure shelter area if there is sufficient time to do so. If no other shelter is available, remain in the vehicle.
Understand Severe Weather Alerts
Prepare! Don't Let Severe Weather Take You by Surprise
What to Do During Severe Weather
CONTACT US.
Police / Parking Services
South Campus Complex A
dispatch@svsu.edu
(989) 964-4141
FOR EMERGENCIES CONTACT 911