Tornadoes and Wind Emergencies

At the time of warning of impending severe winds, property and equipment not properly anchored should be moved inside a building or tied down. Close windows. The best protection in severe winds is in permanent buildings. Stay inside, rather than evacuate.

Tornado Watch: Conditions are right for a tornado to develop. Continue with normal activities, but continue to monitor the weather.

Tornado Warning: Radar or weather spotters have identified a tornado. The Nova Alert System will activate if there is danger in the University Community.

Tornadoes:

If Indoors:

• Know the location of the nearest shelter for your facility. This can be a basement or a ground floor hallway with no windows or a door frame.
• Get under a desk or a table.
• Be careful removing debris that has fallen around you.
• Remain calm in a protected area until the threat has ceased or the danger has a passed.
• Call the Department of Public Safety at x4444 or (610) 519-4444 to report injuries or damage.

If Outdoors:

• Try to seek shelter indoors, if you cannot do so, try to get to a protected or safe area away from buildings, windows and glass, telephone or light poles or any place where there could be falling debris (A low area such as a ditch or ravine or a depression works well).
• Lie face down and cover your head and face.
• Be careful removing debris that has fallen around you.
• Call the Department of Public Safety at x4444 or (610) 519-4444 to report injuries or damage.

Winter Weather

If the National Weather Bureau predicts severe weather conditions, the Executive Director for Facilities Management along with the Vice President for Academic Affairs and the Vice President for Administration and Finance will determine if it is necessary to cancel classes and/or close the University. They will maintain a check on weather conditions by the best means available. Information relative to the University’s open/closed status will be communicated to students, staff and the general public via KYW Radio (1060 AM) and broadcast voice mail message.

KYW Radio identifies closed entities by an identification number, rather than by name. The identification number used if day classes are cancelled is 528. The identification number used if evening classes are cancelled is 524. Additionally, information can be obtained by dialing (610) 519-4505, or by logging on the University’s web site www.vpaa.villanova.edu/snow.htm. Do not call the Public Safety Department regarding the open/closed status of the University as it ties up telephone lines.