Severe weather can occur throughout each season in the Stevens Point region. Tornados have been document in Wisconsin in every month except January. Other potential severe storms include thunderstorms, high wind, ice, hail, snow, blizzard, and rain. See National Weather Service website for detail weather information (additional sites referenced below).

STORM SHELTER LOCATIONS QUICK LINK

Response

1. General Severe Weather Response: Stay away from windows and exterior doors during all severe weather. Notification of an approaching dangerous storm will be made by:
   • County sirens will sound in the event of a tornado warning.
   • The National Weather Service and Emergency Alert System via the broadcast media, weather radios, and email alerts (if equipped). If conditions are present for possible severe weather formation, you must monitor and keep aware of severe weather possibilities. Always be prepared to take action.
   • Protective Services will announce via voice public address systems in buildings equipped with voice-capable warning systems and by person in certain areas when possible.
   Recipients of warnings must quickly disseminate weather information throughout their areas. This can be in the form of a phone tree or by walking through the area and verbally spreading the word.
2. Tornado Watch Response
   Tornado watch means that weather conditions are favorable for the formation of a tornado, but that no tornado has actually been sighted. Monitor the local media, weather radios, and weather Internet sites for weather updates and be alert to changing weather conditions. Be prepared to take action if the weather situation is upgraded to a tornado warning.
3. Tornado Warning Response
   1. If Portage County sirens sound or tornado warning is issued, building occupants should take shelter in the lowest level interior room without window exposure - preferably in a basement.
   2. See building floor plans online at http://www.uwsp.edu/ehs/FLOORPLANS.htm for shelter locations at UWSP. This severe weather shelter locations are also located on the UWSP EHS website under “Severe Weather”.
   3. Shield yourself as well as possible by seeking shelter under sturdy objects, duck and cover your head with your arms, or by other available means. If you are unable to get to the lowest area, go to an interior room or stairwell away from windows and exterior doors. Avoid wide-span structures such as gyms, pools, or large classrooms.
   4. If for some reason you are unable to flee to a safer area, get under a desk, heavy table, or other object that could shield you from flying debris.
   5. Remain in your shelter area until instructed to do otherwise by National Weather Service broadcasts, department management, or Protective Services.
   6. Keep a flashlight, battery-operated weather or other radio, and cell phone to take to the shelter area.
   7. If driving, park your car and seek shelter away from the car in a nearby ditch or ravine. Avoid areas with power lines, poles or signs. Never try to outrun a funnel cloud or tornado in a vehicle.
   8. After a tornado, watch for secondary hazards such as electrical wires and other dangerous wreckage. If surrounded by debris, be aware that moving it may cause other debris or part of the building to collapse. If it is not safe or possible to leave the area, stay there until assisted out.
4. Severe Thunderstorm Response
   1. Severe thunderstorm warning notifications will be made by NOAA Weather Radios and local broadcast media.
   2. Notify affected individuals and discontinue exterior work that may place persons in danger of the immediate storm.
   3. Seek interior shelter away from windows and exterior doors and close blinds and drapes.
   4. If conditions worsen, individuals may be advised to relocate to the designated storm shelters as discussed above in the Tornado Warning section.
5. Ice/Sleet/Snow Response
   1. Notification of a severe ice/sleet/snow storm will be made by the same sources mentioned above.
   2. Refer to the UWSP Inclement Weather Policy, which can be obtained from the Personnel Office at X2606.
   3. Exercise caution on outdoor walkways and while driving.

Resources

See the EHS Website under “Severe Weather” for addition resources on severe weather.