During a tornado sighting or warning of a strong possibility of a tornado, the tornado horns will sound. Upon hearing this sound, all individuals, regardless of what they are doing, should immediately take shelter and remain in that sheltered area until they are advised by Security personnel or their Residence Hall Advisors to return to their activities.

 

A “Tornado Warning” will be accompanied by the rising and falling signal of the tornado horn. This signal will tell you a tornado has been sighted in our area, or extremely high winds are prominent, or funnel clouds have been sighted, or we are in the direct path of a tornado which is not yet visible.

 

A “Tornado Watch”, not signaled by a tornado siren or horn, means that conditions are favorable for a tornado to occur (the combination of temperature, warm and cold fronts, upper-level winds, etc.).

Mobile homes are particularly vulnerable during strong winds and should be evacuated when strong winds are forecast. The Utopia Park Office issues tornado safety guidelines to its residents.

Be cautious during electrical storms. Avoid being in an open area such that you are the tallest object. Avoid carrying metal items. Don’t get too close to trees. If your car is struck by lightning, don’t touch the door handle. Simply sit still until the current has passed into the ground.

 

If you feel a tingling sensation or the hair rises on the back of your neck, you are in danger of being struck by lightning. Immediately crouch down on the balls of your feet and wrap your arms around your knees so that you present the smallest possible target.