What to Do in Case of... Severe Storms

Although the Pacific Northwest escapes the threat of hurricanes, the region is no stranger to strong, damaging winds. Each fall and winter season, several Pacific low pressure systems impact the Pacific Northwest, producing strong winds to 60 mph, and causing some power outages and property damage. About once every decade, storms with powerful winds of 70 mph or more pound the region, producing widespread power outages and significant property damage.

TORNADOES are rare events in the Northwest, but they can happen anywhere. In 2001 there were two confirmed tornadoes in the Seattle area

HAIL is produced by many strong thunderstorms. Hail can be smaller than a pea or as large as a softball and can be very destructive to vegetation and property. In a hailstorm, take cover immediately.

Before

Stay Informed. Weather Radios enable you to monitor weather related forecasts, watches and warnings - 24 hours a day direct from the National Weather Service.

Severe Storm Watches and Warnings

A severe storm watch indicates that severe weather may affect your area. A severe storm warning indicates that severe weather conditions are definitely on the way.

During

If you are INDOORS, move away from windows or other objects that could fall, and to lower floors in multi-story buildings.

If you are OUTDOORS, move into a building and avoid downed electric power lines, utility poles, and trees.

If you are DRIVING, pull off the road and stop away from trees. If possible, walk into a safe building. Avoid overpasses, power lines and other hazards.

Listen to your radio for emergency instructions.

After

Check yourself and those around you for injuries.

Evacuate damaged buildings. Do not re-enter until declared safe by authorities.

Call 9-1-1 (or 9-911 from a campus phone) only to report a life threatening emergency. If you smell gas or hear a hissing sound indoors - open windows and leave the building. Turn off the gas source and call your gas company. Do not use matches, candles, open flames or electric switches indoors.

Monitor your portable or weather radio for instructions or an official "all clear" notice. Radio stations will broadcast what to do, the location of emergency shelters, medical aid stations, and the extent of damage.

Additional Information

• National Weather Service: http://www.nws.noaa.gov/om/brochures/ttl.pdf
• Washington State Emergency Management: http://emd.wa.gov/hazards/haz_storms.shtml

Keeping Updated

• UW Information Line (recorded message) 206-UWS-INFO, Toll Free: 1-866-897-INFO
• "Red Alerts" on UW Home page www.washington.edu
• Your supervisor, department/college administrator or building coordinator
• KIRO 710 AM (Emergency Alert System)

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