TORNADO
Tornado:
A tornado is a violent windstorm characterized by a twisting, funnel-shaped cloud. It is spawned by a thunderstorm and is produced when cool air overrides a layer of warm air, forcing the warm air to rise rapidly. Tornado season is generally March through August, although they can occur at any time of year. They tend to occur in the afternoons and evenings.
The best protection during a tornado is in an interior room on the lowest level of a building. Tornadoes strike with incredible velocity. Wind speeds may approach 300 miles per hour. These winds can uproot trees and structures and turn harmless objects into deadly missiles, all in a matter of seconds. Normally a tornado will stay on the ground for no more than 20 minutes; however, one tornado can touch ground several times in different areas. They are most destructive when they touch ground.
Tornado Watch:
A tornado watch means that conditions are favorable for tornado formation. You should remain alert and do the following:
• Ensure no physical restrictions exist that would prevent free movement to your nearest safe area (clear any
blocked doors, aisles, etc.).
• Continue normal activities, but be alert to weather outside, and monitor a radio/television or watch the sky
for worsening weather conditions.
• If circumstances change faculty, staff and students will be notified by the ALERT, phone, and or TVCC siren
notification systems. Do not phone Campus Police for information. Keep telephone lines clear for
emergency messages.
Tornado Warning
A tornado warning means that a tornado has been sighted. You should do the following:
• Take cover. Preferably, proceed to the nearest safe area or shelter.
• Because of possible electrical failures, you should use the stairs, not the elevator.
• Remain well clear of windows and other glass.
• Avoid auditoriums and gymnasiums with large, poorly supported roofs.
• In multi-story buildings, you should move to the first floor. Inner hallways are usually safe areas.
• If possible, move to the ground level.
• If you are in a frame or sheet metal building and weather conditions permit, move to a brick or stone
building for added protection.
Athens Campus
Administration Registrar’s Office
Counseling Office
Office of Institutional Advancement
Gibbs Academic First floor classrooms / Center of building
Learning Resource Center / LRC First floor / back area of Library
Student Union First floor Grill area
Liberal Arts Go to Student Union
Math / Journalism Go to Student Union
Baugh Technology Center First floor classrooms / Center of building
Bookstore / Cafeteria Back area of bookstore
Fine Arts Center and side hallways away from windows
Community Service Building / Adult Ed Center of building
General Studies First floor classrooms
Maintenance Break room
Welding Go to West Hall
Auto Mechanics Go to West Hall
Nail Tech / Classroom Go to West Hall
Ranch Management Go to West Hall
Cosmetology Go to Gibbs Academic
Field House Center hallway away from windows
Cardinal Gym North hallway near Softball Office
Northeast Resident Hall First floor hallways
Northwest Resident Hall Go to Northeast Resident hall
South Resident Hall First floor hallway
West Resident Hall First floor hallway
Cardinal Hall First floor bathrooms First floor bathrooms in
rooms
Anderson Building Library
Faculty Lounge
Lecture Hall
Calhoun Building Go to Anderson Building
ECRC (Technology Building) Go to Anderson Building
Maintenance Building Go to Anderson Building
Health and Science Center Men’s and Women’s restrooms first floor
A – Building Room 115
Room 113
Room 122
Counseling office
Storage Snack bar room 108
Men’s and Women’s restrooms
E – Building Room E112
Room E113
Room E114
Men’s and Women’s restrooms
L – Building Room L106
Room L110
Room L111
Room L118
Room L120