Tornado Awareness

Be aware that mid-March through October is tornado season in Michigan. Andrews University is equipped with an early warning system located on the top of the Science Complex. It is tested the first Friday of each month at 3:00 p.m.

Do you know the difference between a tornado watch and a tornado warning? A watch is put in effect when the National Weather Service deems conditions favorable for a tornado, but the siren is not used. A warning means that a tornado has been seen, whether it's touched the ground or is still in the air. The siren will sound for the three minutes and then shut off, however, it may go off again if the tornado threat is still present. If you hear the siren, tune into your local TV or radio station. If the power is off, make sure to have a battery-operated radio you can use for updates. WAUS 90.7 FM will broadcast tornado locations. All on-campus buildings are equipped with floor plans on each level that indicate tornado shelters within that building.

In the library, the following locations have been designated tornado shelters:

• Lower Floor: restrooms
• Main Floor: restroom, and former Instruction Lab .
• Top Floor: restrooms

For early warnings, log on to www.weatherbug.com or www.wndu.com for free updates. Log on to www.weather.com and click on "Weather Tools" for severe weather notification via phone or pager ($4.95 per month charge). For disaster preparation and information, log on to www.fema.gov.