With the arrival of Severe Weather Preparedness Month in March, and as the likelihood of springtime severe weather approaches, the Department of Public Safety reminds the campus community that now is the time to practice a response to tornado and severe thunderstorms. Doing so is an important step to minimize and prevent injury and even death during a severe storm.

Be prepared wherever you are:

At work, become familiar with the locations of restrooms and other interior safe areas. Determine the shortest way to get to a safe area. Make sure to stay away from windows.

At home, have a family tornado plan in place, based on the kind of dwelling in which you live. Be familiar with the safety tips that follow. Know where you can take shelter in a matter of seconds.

Practice a family tornado drill at least once a year. Have a predetermined place to meet after a disaster. Flying debris is the greatest danger in tornadoes, so, store protective coverings such as a mattress, sleeping bags or thick blankets, in or next to your shelter space, ready to use on a few seconds’ notice.

When a tornado watch is issued, think about the drill, and check to make sure all your safety supplies are handy. Turn on local television, radio or NOAA Weather Radio, and stay alert for warnings.

For more information on severe weather safety at Southeast, visit: https://semo.edu/emergency/tornado.html.

National Weather Service Headquarters is kicking off its spring weather safety campaign. Safety information can be found at https://www.weather.gov/wrn/spring-safety.