Emergency Response Plan

Weather Emergencies

Lightning

1. Get into an enclosed building as quickly as ­possible and/or stay indoors; do not venture out unless ­necessary.
2. Stay away from open doors and windows, metal objects, electrical appliances, and plumbing until the storm passes.
3. Keep cell phone use to a minimum.
4. TV sets, computer equipment, and electrical ­appliances should be unplugged if possible.

Severe Heat

1. Call 911 in case of a medical emergency (e.g., confusion, racing pulse, muscle spasms, vomiting, etc.).
2. Never leave children, disabled persons, or pets in a parked car—even briefly.
3. Drink plenty of water and eat lightly.
4. Stay indoors as much as possible and limit exposure to the sun during extreme heat conditions.

Severe Thunderstorms

1. A SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH means conditions are conducive to the development of severe thunderstorm conditions in and close to the watch area. If you are in a watch area, monitor the weather closely and be prepared to take the necessary steps to protect your life and property.
2. A SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING means severe thunderstorm activities have actually been sighted by spotters or indicated on radar and are occurring or imminent in the warning area.
   1. Move to a place of safety immediately.
   2. Provide assistance to those with disabilities/special needs and/or provide their location to emergency responders.
   3. Do not rely on sirens to alert you to a severe thunderstorm warning.
   4. Use landline phones only for emergencies. Cell phones are not safe to use.
   5. Unplug appliances and other electrical items such as computers and air conditioners if possible.
   6. Draw blinds and shades over windows. If windows break due to objects blown by the wind, the shades will prevent glass from shattering into your home.
3. Be prepared. Register for weather alerts at www.wkbt.com (then click on News Channel 8 to Go).

Snow or Severe Cold

Information regarding class cancellations, weather ­closings, and delays on campus are announced:

1. On local radio and television stations.
2. On the Viterbo website at www.viterbo.edu/students.aspx?id=15818.
3. By text if registered for school closing notifications. Visit www.wkbt.com then click on News Channel 8 to Go.
4. Call 608-796-3080 if you are unable to access information using any of the three previous methods.

Tornado

1. A TORNADO WATCH means conditions are conducive to the development of tornado conditions in and close to the watch area. If you are in a watch area, monitor the weather closely and be prepared to take the necessary steps to protect your life and property.
2. A TORNADO WARNING means tornadoes have actually been sighted by spotters or indicated on radar and is occurring or imminent in the warning area.
   1. Move to a place of safety immediately.
   2. Move to designated shelter area in building. If uncertain of shelter area, move to interior hallways in basement or on lower floors (and away from windows and long span roofs)
   3. Provide assistance to those with disabilities/special needs and/or provide their location to campus safety at 3911 if using a Viterbo phone; 608-796-3911 or 608-780-1582 if using a non-Viterbo phone
   4. DO NOT activate fire alarm as this will result in people going outside
   5. Do not rely on sirens to alert you to a tornado warning
   6. Supervisory personnel and classroom instructors, etc., make certain everyone vacates room(s).  Take note of and report anyone missing. The last person out is to close doors
   7. DO NOT call 911 unless you need to report an emergency, such as a fire, medical emergency, or severe building damage. 911 lines need to be kept open and available for emergency calls.
3. Be prepared. Register for weather alerts at www.wkbt.com then click on News Channel 8 to Go.