In the event of severe weather, the Squawker system will activate a warning and instructions to employees and students. It is possible that phone and electricity service may be temporarily interrupted during a weather event. Do not rely on phones for the receipt of information. Use emergency two-way radios, located in each building, to convey critical information.

Current weather and road conditions may be viewed and checked on the TouchSmart computer, located outside of the Library/Learning Center.

Winter Storm Cancellation of Classes

When snow, ice, extreme cold or other bad weather threatens the normal class schedule, listen to local radio stations. Once it is determined, cancellation of classes will be released on Squawker and posted on DCC’s website. Winter storm watches, warnings, and advisories are issued by local National Weather Service Forecast offices.

• Winter weather advisory — When a significant winter storm or hazardous winter weather is occurring, imminent, and is an inconvenience.
• Winter storm watch — Significant winter weather (i.e. heavy snow, heavy sleet, significant freezing rain, or a combination of events) is expected, but not imminent, for the watch area; provides 12 to 36 hour notice of the possibility of severe winter weather.
• Winter storm warning — A significant winter storm or hazardous winter weather is occurring, imminent, or likely, and is a threat to life and property.
• Blizzard warning — Winds that are at least 35 mph or greater, blowing snow that will frequently reduce visibility to 1/4 mile or less for at least three hours, and dangerous wind chills are expected in the warning area.
• Wind chill index — The calculation of temperature that takes into consideration the effects of wind and temperature on the human body. This is not the actual air temperature, but what it feels like to the average person.

Tornado/Microburst

Though rare, tornadic activity can occur. Such activity is characterized by violent winds and excessive, heavy rain, areas of flash flooding, and may even result in dangerous flying debris. Most tornadic activity in the area is experienced between March and August. Storms generally occur in the afternoons and evenings. A tornado watch means conditions are favorable for tornado formation. A tornado warning means that a tornado has been sighted. High winds can uproot trees and structures, and turn harmless objects into hazardous projectiles, all in a matter of seconds.

Procedure: For protection during a tornado, seek shelter in a basement or an interior room on the first floor of the structure you are in. Warn everyone on campus as quickly as possible, equip responsible personnel with radios for communication purposes, and suggest designated shelter area, if possible.

**All persons in a shelter area should assume a sitting position on the floor with their backs to the wall if possible, knees pulled up and arms covering their faces with their hands on top of their heads. Close the windows in all rooms and close all doors as you leave the room. In addition, if the windows have blinds or curtains close them.

Tornado Watch

A tornado watch means that conditions are favorable for tornado formation. You should remain alert and do the following:

• Review actions to take should the situation change to a Tornado Warning, or if a tornado funnel is sighted.
• 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 should be notified by the EventLink notification system.
• Do not phone law enforcement or the campus operator 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.