Severe Weather

  • A tornado watch is issued by the National Weather Service when tornadoes are possible in the area.
  • A tornado warning is issued when a tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar, in the area.
  • Monitor local TV stations, radio stations, NOAA weather radio, weather related websites, etc., for severe weather updates.
  • 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 to the building’s designated Storm Shelter. If unable to reach the Storm Shelter location, be prepared to take shelter on the lowest level of your building, parking garage or residence hall if a tornado warning is issued.
  • 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.
  • Stay away from windows and exterior doors.
  • Move to an interior hallway to shelter.
  • Wait for the tornado warning to expire prior to returning to your work area, classroom or living area.
  • If outdoors, lie in a ditch, low-lying area or crouch near a building if shelter is not available or if there is no time to get indoors.
  • If in a car with no nearby shelter, buckle your seatbelt and stay low.

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 thunder clap 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 (@BelmontUniv) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/BelmontUniversity)
  • 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 the inclement weather develops during the morning rush hour or during 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 own 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.

Inclement Weather Schedules for Campus Services & Offices

In the event an inclement weather event forces Belmont classes to go online, various services and offices may operate on reduced hours and/or services. Please consult the chart below for additional details.

DEPARTMENTS/
LOCATIONS/
FUNCTIONS

CLASSES MOVED ONLINE ALL DAY

CLASSES MOVED ONLINE
PM ONLY

CLASSED MOVED ONLINE 
AM ONLY
(DELAYED START)

Classes

Online

Online

Online

Well Core & Academic Events (including recitals)

Online or Cancelled

Online or Cancelled

Online or Cancelled

Harrington Place

Open – Normal Hours

Open - Normal Hours

Open - Normal Hours

All Other Dining Options

Closed

Closed Two Hours After Classes Moved Online

Closed Until Classes Resume in Person

Library/Bunch

Online

Online

Online

Academic Buildings

Closed Except Johnson (Dining)

 

Closed Two Hours After Classes Moved Online

Closed

Beaman Student Life/Fit Rec

Open 8 am- 5 pm

Closed at 5pm

Open by 8 am

Mail Services/UPS

Closed or Hours Varied Based on USPS Delivery

Closed Two Hours After Classes Moved Online

Open - Normal Hours

 

Health Services

On Call/Timely Care

On Call/Timely Care

On Call/Timely Care

Pharmacy

Limited Hours

Limited Hours

 Limited Hours

Counseling Services

On Call / Timely Care

On Call / Timely Care

On Call / Timely Care

Admissions

Online and Live Chat

Attempt to reschedule tours or provide minimal staffing

Online and Live Chat

Attempt to reschedule tours or provide minimal staffing

Online and Live Chat

Attempt to reschedule tours or provide minimal staffing

Athletics – practices*

Practices Canceled

Practices Canceled

Practices Canceled Until Classes Resume In Person

Hitch/Practice Rooms

Closed

Closed

Closed

IT Help Desk

On Call

7am – 7:30 pm

On Call Until 7:30 pm

On Call from 7 AM Until Classes Resume in Person; then Normal Hours

The Belmont Store

Closed

Closed When Classes Are Online

Closed Until Classes Resume In Person

University Events: Admissions; Athletic Competitions; All Performing Arts Venues

TBD by Provost in Consultation with Senior Leaders Responsible for Event and Event Venue

TBD by Provost in Consultation with Senior Leaders Responsible for Event and Event Venue

TBD by Provost in Consultation with Senior Leaders Responsible for Event and Event Venue

Campus Security

Open

Open

Open

Facilities

Open

Open

Open

Residence Life

Open

Open

Open

*Determine how to handle extenuating circumstances/use of Crockett weight room see “Practice Protocol on Inclement Weather Days”