Has anyone read "What Stands in a Storm"?

bamagirls
Sun, 19 Apr 2015 13:23:03 +0000

“How many tornado warnings have there been this spring?”

There have been no tornado warnings for the UA so far this spring.

Consider sending your student a few items for an emergency kit such as a flashlight and batteries, water bottles, cash, a portable phone charger, a car phone charger, etc… Speak with your student about keeping phones, ipads or tablets, and computers charged when inclement weather is expected.

Consider purchasing a good weather app for your student’s phone. Many apps are free this time of the year. I am providing a link to a free app below for Alabama, but there are others available. Be sure the app you select offers current location tracking. I think you will find the weather app is more convenient than purchasing a weather radio.

Be sure your student understands the difference between a tornado watch (conditions are favorable) and a tornado warning (a tornado has been spotted). The counties in Alabama are quite large, so a tornado warning may or may not be an immediate concern for UA students depending upon the location in the county.

Take time to speak with your student about various forms of dangerous weather situations as well as dangerous behaviors. Make sure they understand how to recognize dangerous situations and the value of remaining calm and reacting appropriately to the situation.

The UA and the local schools are keenly aware of the risks to students and staff and routinely suspend operations in the event of an imminent threat of severe weather. Schools in Alabama closed in anticipation of the severe outbreak of 2011. You will find that the UA and the local schools are proactive in such situations.

There are guidelines in place for students living in dorms. Students are instructed ahead of time as to locations for sheltering inside the dorms.

The UA has an alert system which includes sirens across campus, text and email alerts in case of an emergency.

The city of Tuscaloosa also has tornado sirens in place.

Here are a few great sources you should provide for your student:

James Spann weather 24/7 with live stream

http://www.abc3340.com/category/220454/james-spann-24-7-weather

Safe-t-net

http://alabamasaftnet.com

Prepare UA

http://prepare.ua.edu/?page_id=895

http://prepare.ua.edu/?page_id=1700

http://prepare.ua.edu/?page_id=88

Have a plan and stay safe.