Thunderstorm/Lightning Alert Signal: Signs of imminent thunderstorm activity are darkened clouds, high winds, and thunder or lightning activity.
Teacher Response:
"When thunder roars, go indoors."
Wind, Tornado & other Severe Weather
Definition: Used when a severe weather watch or warning has been issued in the area near the school. The major dangers of severe weather are intense cold and heat and the breakdown of transportation due to poor visibility and road conditions.
Alert Signal: Severe weather watch or warning over public radio or television and communicated to staff.
Teacher Response:
Severe Weather Watch: Announcement--"Tornado Warning"
Severe Weather Warning: Announcement--"Drop, Cover and Hold"
Teacher Response:
- Postpone or suspend activity if a thunderstorm appears imminent before or during an activity or contest (regardless of whether lightning is seen or thunder heard) until the hazard has passed.
- Designate a safe shelter such as inside a locker room, school building or the gym. Do not use dugouts or under trees or bleachers where lightning can still strike. An alternate emergency safe shelter is a car (solid roof, not a convertible) with windows rolled up completely.
- Wait at least 30 minutes following the last sound of thunder or lightning flash prior to resuming an activity or returning outdoors.
- Assume the lightning safe position (crouched on the ground, weight on the balls of the feet, feet together, head lowered and ears covered) for individuals who feel their hair stand on end, skin tingle or hear "cracking" noises. Do not lie flat on the ground.
- Keep away from water pipes and electrical equipment including corded phones. Sensitive electronics should be unplugged well in advance of thunderstorms.
- Observe the following basic first aid procedures in managing victims of a lightning strike:
- Call 911.
- Survey the scene for safety.
- Lightning victims do not carry a charge and are safe to touch. If necessary, carefully move the victim to a safer location.
- Evaluate airway, breathing and circulation, and begin CPR if necessary.
- Care and treat the injured or ill victim as needed.
"When thunder roars, go indoors."
Wind, Tornado & other Severe Weather
Definition: Used when a severe weather watch or warning has been issued in the area near the school. The major dangers of severe weather are intense cold and heat and the breakdown of transportation due to poor visibility and road conditions.
Alert Signal: Severe weather watch or warning over public radio or television and communicated to staff.
Teacher Response:
Severe Weather Watch: Announcement--"Tornado Warning"
- Bring all persons inside building(s).
- Be prepared to move students from mobile classrooms into the building.
- Close windows and blinds.
- Review severe weather procedures and location of safe areas: under desks, in hallways and interior rooms away from windows.
- Review "Drop, Cover and Hold" procedures with students.
- Avoid gymnasium and cafeterias with wide free-span roofs and large areas of glass windows.
Severe Weather Warning: Announcement--"Drop, Cover and Hold"
- Direct students and staff to immediately move to interior safe areas, closing classroom doors after exiting.
- Assist students with special needs.
- If outside, students and staff should move to the nearest interior safe area. If time does not permit, have students get down in the nearest ravine or open ditch or low spot away from trees or power poles. 4. Bring students from any mobile classrooms into the building.
- Ensure students are in the Drop, Cover and Hold position until danger passes.
- Remain in safe area until warning expires or until "All Clear" has been issued.