Severe Weather (Continued)
If a tornado warning is indicated by sighting or weather radar:
- Take shelter at once
- Use stairs, not elevators, to move to the basement or lower floor of your building
- Stay away from glass and windows
- Wear protective clothing, including sturdy shoes
For your safety after the storm passes:
- After you know you are safe, alert family and friends - but limit the number and length of calls
- Be aware that cellular phones may not work in some emergency conditions because of high demand
- Stay indoors and stay away from elevators
- Monitor conditions on radio or television news and at University resources
- When you do go outside, be extra careful when walking on wet and slippery surfaces - steps, walks, tile floors, slate patios, etc.
- Students with medical concerns or with temporary or permanent physical disabilities who need assistance during a power outage should report any concerns to 911 or 301-405-3333
- Call 911 or 301-405-3333 to report downed power lines, other dangerous conditions
- Call x4WORK or 301-314-9675 to report downed trees, limbs, standing water, broken glass, debris, etc.
If electrical power is lost:
- Remember, cordless telephones do not work during a power outage; keep your corded land-line phone plugged into your room's phone jack
- Emergency lights from backup generators will minimally illuminate stairwells and lobbies in your residence hall
- Hallways, bathrooms and student bedrooms will stay dark until power is restored
- Use a flashlight; do not light candles or otherwise cause fire or flame
- Elevators, air conditioning and heating/hot water system will not resume operating until electrical power is restored
- Fire alarms and electronic card access system will not resume operating until electrical power is restored; "firewatch" patrols may be ordered
- Smoke alarms in student rooms will continue to function normally
- Food in refrigerators should be checked for spoilage or thrown away
