The University has implemented a severe
weather warning system as part of its ongoing fire and life safety
systems upgrade. This system allows Public Safety to play pre-recorded
announcements in many of the campus buildings when severe weather
threatens.
This system will be used in conjunction
with the existing Hamilton County siren warning system. The sirens
effectively warn persons out of doors, however they do not provide good
coverage indoors. The campus system delivers the warnings to persons
inside the buildings, as well as providing more detailed instructions.
The sirens and the campus system will are activated for severe weather
warnings only, not for watches.
For buildings which are not yet covered by
the campus severe weather warning system, we recommend departments and
colleges purchase weather alert radios. These inexpensive radios will
sound an alarm when either a watch or a warning is issued, as well as
playing the official National Weather Service bulletins.
A severe
thunderstorm WATCH indicates that conditions are favorable for the
formation of a thunderstorm of 58 mph or greater. Hail with a diameter
of ¾" or more may also be present. A severe thunderstorm WARNING
is issued when severe thunderstorms have developed in the area. Shelter
should be sought indoors, away from windows.