- Develop a severe weather action plan and have
frequent drills.
-
Each school should be inspected and tornado shelter
areas designated by a registered engineer or architect. Basements
offer the best protection. Schools without basements should use
interior rooms and hallways in the lowest floor and away from
the windows.
-
Those responsible for activating the plan should
monitor weather information from NOAA Weather Radio and local
radio/television.
-
If the school's alarm system relies on electricity,
have a compressed air horn or megaphone to activate the alarm
in case of power failure.
-
Make special provisions for disabled students
and those in portable classrooms.
- Make sure someone knows how to turn off electricity
and gas in the event the school is damaged.
-
Keep children at school beyond regular hours
if threatening weather is expected. Children are safer at school
than in a bus or car. Students should not be sent home early if
severe weather is approaching.
-
Lunches or assemblies in large rooms should be
delayed if severe weather is anticipated. Gymnasiums, cafeterias
and auditoriums offer no protection from tornado-strength winds.
-
Move students quickly into interior rooms or
hallways on the lowest floor. Have them assume the tornado protection
position (shown at right).
