In the event of a tornado or other severe weather, individuals located in a university building are advised to:
- Move away from the outside perimeter of the building and toward a safe area on your floor, such as an interior washroom, stairwell, or any other interior room avoiding first floor lobby areas and any other areas with large, glass windows. Put as many walls as possible between you and the outside.
If needed, seek shelter on another floor away from glass walls and windows
Avoid using elevators to reduce the risk of entrapment should a power outage occur
- Do not open windows
- Do not attempt to leave the building
- Remain calm and follow the directions of Public Safety personnel and other first responders
- Note the City of Chicago will activate outdoor warning sirens in a tornado warning. When activated, anyone outside in the storm should seek shelter. The sirens are designed to be heard outside, not inside a building.
- If you are driving with no options for shelter, consider the following:
- Stay in the car with the seat belt on. Put your head down below the windows; cover your head with your hands and a blanket, coat, or other cushion if possible.
- If you can safely get noticeably lower than the level of the roadway, leave your car and lie in that area, covering your head with your hands.
- Avoid seeking shelter under bridges, which can create deadly traffic hazards while offering little protection against flying debris.
Closure of the University - Cancellation of Classes
Further information regarding class cancellation or campus evacuation is set forth in Emergency School Closure (3.7).