Emergency Preparedness

Tornadoes are dangerous. They can knock down buildings, uproot trees, move vehicles, and destroy things in their path. Heavy rains, lightning, flash flooding, and hail are possible. Tornadoes can happen anywhere. Prepare now so you can stay safe and understand the difference between warnings and watches.

Before

• Know your nearest shelter location.
• Enable emergency alerts.
• Identify interior rooms without windows.

During

• Move to the lowest floor possible.
• Stay away from windows.
• Do not use elevators. 

After

• Watch for debris.
• Avoid damaged buildings. 
• Report injuries or hazards. 
• Monitor radio, local authorities and new outlets for updates. 

Strong storms can bring damaging winds, hail, heavy rain, and dangerous lightning. 

Be prepared:

• Sign up for TXState alerts and monitor local weather and news channels.
• Monitor weather forecast before outdoor events.
• Seek shelter in a sturdy building as soon as possible.
• Stay away from windows.

Lightning is present in every thunderstorm and can strike miles away from where rain is falling. 

When lightning is in the area:

• If you hear thunder, lightning is close enough to strike you.
• When thunder is heard stop all outdoor activities and move indoors.
• Avoid open areas, elevated ground, open vehicles, and places near water, trees, metal fences, overhead wires, and power lines.
• Wait at least 30 minutes after the last clap of thunder before resuming outdoor activities. 

Floods can result from rain, costal storms, storm surges, overflows of rivers, and dam failure. Flooding can develop slowly or quickly. Flash floods can be sudden and violent. Learn about the types of flooding that can impact your home and how to prepare and protect yourself and your loved ones. 

• Move to higher ground immediately.
• Never attempt to drive or walk through floodwater.
• Avoid low crossings, creeks, and underpasses.
• Monitor weather forecasts during periods of heavy rain. 

A period of abnormally hot and dangerous temperatures, with or without high humidities, that can result in negative impacts to people, animals, and infrastructure.

Be prepared:

• Stay hydrated throughout the day.
• Schedule outdoor activities during cooler morning or evening hours when possible.
• Wear lightweight and light-colored clothing. 
• Take frequent breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas. 

Heat exhaustion signs:

• Faint or dizziness
• Excessive sweating
• Cool, pale, clammy skin
• Rapid, weak pulse
• Muscle cramps

Heat stroke signs:

• Throbbing headache
• Extremely high body temperature
• Red, hot, dry skin
• Nausea or vomiting
• Rapid, strong pulse 

Winter storms can bring extreme cold, freezing rain, sleet, ice, and high winds. These storms can cause transportation, heat, power, and communication disruptions. Prepare now to protect yourself.

During Extreme Cold:

• Prepare emergency supplies, including non-perishable food and water, and keep an updated first aid kit. 
• Ensure you have warm clothes and blankets.
• If you must go outside limit your time, wear layers, and stay dry. 
• If possible avoid travel, check road conditions, and allow for extra time. 

An individual or group of individuals actively engaged in killing or attempting to kill people in a populated or confined area. While active shooters use firearms active assailants can include knives, explosives, vehicles or other lethal means. 

An official notification issued to provide timely information about an emergency, safety concern, or situation that may require awareness or action from the campus community.

A designated individual responsible for helping preparing a building's occupants for emergencies and coordinating emergency preparedness efforts within their assigned building. 

A temporary suspension of campus operations, classes, or services due to conditions that may impact safety, security, or the ability to operate normally.

An unexpected situation that requires immediate action to protect people, property, or operations.

A central command center activated in person, virtually, or a combination of the two in response to a disaster, event, or incident to coordinate response, resource allocation, and decision making.

An all-hazards document that specifies actions to be taken in the event of an emergency or disaster event.

All occupants of university buildings are required to evacuate a building when a fire alarm and/or an official announcement is made indicating a potentially dangerous situation within the building. 

A designated safe location where people should gather after evacuating a building. 

A condition, situation, or event that has the potential to cause harm, injury, property damage, or disruption to campus operations. 

An event that affects or has the potential to affect the safety of people, facilities, or normal operations.

A written or oral plan that sets response goals, operational objectives, and safety protocols for a specific time period.

Protective action implemented when there is an immediate threat to safety inside or near a facility. Individuals should secure their location, limit visibility, remain quiet, and follow official instructions. 

A proactive action that directs individuals to remain indoors and take appropriate precautions to protect themselves from external hazards or unsafe conditions. 

The malicious and illegal act of making a false 911 or emergency report to trick law enforcement into dispatching a heavily armed Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) unit to an unsuspecting victim's home, school, or business.

A situation, person, or event that could potentially cause harm, disrupt operations, or negatively impact the safety of campus community. 

Hazardous weather is possible because the atmospheric conditions are favorable but the exact timing and/or location in uncertain 

Hazardous weather is imminent or already occurring, posing a threat to life or property