Weather Threats

Tornado Watch

Tornado Warning

A tornado warning is issued when a tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar, in the area.

NOTE: Monitor local TV stations, radio stations, NOAA weather radio, weather-related websites, etc., for severe weather updates.

In the event of a tornado warning:

• The Belmont Alert system will issue a "Seek Shelter" text message when a Tornado Warning has been issued for Davidson County AND when the main University campus appears to be in the path, or polygon, of projected impact.
• Move immediately to a pre-designated shelter area such as a Storm Shelter, safe room, basement, storm cellar or the lowest building level. If there is no basement, go to the center of an interior room on the lowest level (closet or interior hallway) away from corners, windows, doors and outside walls. Put as many walls between you and the outside. If available, get under a sturdy table or piece of furniture and always protect your head and neck with your arms. Remain there until the all clear is given by local radio stations, Campus Security, police or other official sources of information. 
• Do not pull the fire alarm to alert others of a tornado warning. Pulling a fire alarm could signal others to exit the building into the path of the severe weather.
• If you are outside when a tornado warning is issued and/or the sirens are sounding, take cover in a pre-designated shelter (look for the Storm Shelter Signs)or the lowest level of a building. If those are not accessible, lie in a ditch or depression away from trees and power lines and cover your head with your hands. 
• If in a car with no nearby shelter, buckle your seatbelt and stay low.
• If you have a disability and need help getting to a lower level for safety in a Belmont building, proceed to an area of rescue and activate the system. If you are unable to make it to an area of rescue, call Campus Security at ext 6911 or 615.460.6911 for assistance. 
• Our office recommends that all persons have a NOAA All-Hazard Weather Radio. By having a weather radio, you will get all watch and warning information directly from the National Weather Service. It’s like having a personal siren. 
• All building occupants are to remain in the safety location until the Tornado Warning has expired or until notified that the danger has passed.

Tornado Safety Locations are designated by blue and white “Storm Shelter” signs located in most buildings. If the sign is on a wall, the safety location is the area around the sign. If the sign is on or adjacent to a door, the safety location is in the space on the other side of the door. See the Storm Shelter Locations on campus below.

If you cannot get to a designated Storm Shelter area, look for an area with the following:

• No windows
• On the lowest possible floor of a building
• No exterior walls

Severe Thunderstorms and Lightning

Lightning kills more people on average each year than hurricanes and tornados combined. Lightning can strike up to 10 miles away from a rain area.

The 30/30 Lightning Safety Rule:

During thunderstorms no place outside is safe but you can minimize your risk by assessing the lightning threat and taking appropriate actions. Count the number of seconds from when you see the lightning flash until you hear the thunder. If you count 30 seconds or less you are in immediate danger. Even if you can’t see the lightning, just hearing the thunder means lightning is likely within striking range.

If you are caught outdoors in a severe thunderstorm or when lightning threatens:

1. Immediately seek shelter in the nearest building.
   1. DO NOT seek shelter under trees during thunderstorms.
   2. DO NOT seek shelter in unprotected open structures such as picnic pavilions, rain shelters or bus stops.
   3. If a building is not available, a metal-topped vehicle with the windows up is the next best option.
2. Avoid contact with metal fences, metal bleachers or metallic structures.
3. Avoid using hardwired corded telephones or any electrical appliances. Cell phones are a safe alternative.
4. Avoid plumbing – do not take a bath, shower, or wash your hands during a thunderstorm.
5. Wait 30 minutes or more after hearing the last thunderclap or rumble before leaving the safe location.

If Caught Outdoors and No Shelter Is Nearby:

1. Find a low spot away from trees, fences, and poles that is not subject to flooding.
2. If you feel your skin tingle or your hair stand on end, squat low to the ground on the balls of your feet. Place your hands over your ears and your head between your knees. Make yourself the smallest target possible and minimize your contact with the ground. DO NOT lie down. If you are swimming, get out of the water immediately.

REMEMBER: If you can hear thunder, you are close enough to be struck by lightning.

Once you have taken shelter indoors, you should monitor a weather radio, a commercial radio/television station, internet or other weather service provider. Even when a specific storm cell has passed beyond the area, conditions may still be right for high winds, lightning, and other hazardous weather conditions.

Belmont University implements the following procedures for announcing operational changes during periods of inclement winter weather:

• By policy, the University makes one of the following announcements:  Classes are operating on a regular schedule; Classes to be fully online; Classes will be delayed until a specific time; or Classes will be moved online starting at a specific time.
• An all-campus email is the primary means to distribute such announcements. A notice is also added to the top bar of Belmont.edu if a schedule or modality change is necessary.
• Announcements will also be posted to Twitter and Facebook
• Belmont Newsline: 615.460.5000
• In Nashville, inclement winter weather often develops overnight. In such cases and depending on conditions, attempts are made to post announcements by 5:30 am for the start of the class day. If inclement weather develops during the morning rush hour or daytime on a school/work day, the same notification procedures listed above are followed.
• When weather conditions are such that closings occur two or more days in succession, the procedure is followed each day, with an announcement being made each day by 5:30 a.m. In that conditions can change unexpectedly overnight, an evening announcement usually will not be made for the next day except in the most extreme weather circumstances.
• On days when Belmont offices are generally scheduled to be closed (Saturdays, Sundays and holidays), the University does not usually make blanket closing announcements. Departments and units that have normal operations on weekends and holidays, or units planning to host or present special programs on those days, should make their prior arrangements with employees and participants, notifying them how to proceed in case of inclement weather.
• When Belmont officially is closed, it is closed for everyone: faculty, staff, and students. Departments will designate in advance those expected to report to work during a weather emergency.
• Announcements for weather closings at Belmont East and West Campuses are handled by those campus administrators separately from the main campus announcements.
• Belmont’s Williamson County Campus follows the same weather closings as the main campus.