All,

 

Just to ensure everyone knows what to do and where to head in case the NWS issues a tornado warning for the area – this has happened several times for us here in Burchfiel. First, make sure you are signed up for UT’s Alertus Desktop Alert and it’s installed on your laptop or desktop. We should all also be signed up to receive UT alerts via text messages on our smartphones. If you have questions about or need help with UT Alert, contact the Office of Emergency Management at 974-3061 or email [log in to unmask].

 

Second, if we are alerted that a tornado warning is in place for the campus, please calmly evacuate your classes, offices, and labs in an orderly manner without causing undue panic and stress! Please avoid the 2^nd and 4^th floors because no rapid evacuation routes exist here. Instead, we are to gather on the 1^st and 3^rd floors in the middle of the main hallways, away from glass and windows, and STAY THERE until we are issued the all clear alert. DO NOT LEAVE THE BUILDING.

 

If you have any questions about this process, please let me know. Yes, this is in line with our building’s Emergency Action Plan. Yes, we actually have one.

 

 

 

Greetings,

 

I want to take a moment to remind our community that we are entering tornado season. Please be sure you and your staff are familiar with the designated shelter locations in the buildings you use the most. The locations should be identified on building posters and in your building’s Emergency Action Plan. 

 

UT Alert will be used to inform the campus of a tornado warning that includes campus. Keep in mind that the National Weather Service may issue tornado warnings for Knox or adjoining counties that do not encompass campus. In that case, we will not send notifications. All UT Alert messages will always be followed by an “all clear” message when the threat has passed.

 

Beginning this season, the Office of Emergency Management will be using DDDH to inform campus leadership of severe weather that is likely to impact outdoor activities and events. These messages are not intended to replace the need for community members to monitor the weather. The goal is for departments to review planned operations and take appropriate action to protect personnel and equipment. 

 

You will not be receiving notifications via DDDH unless the National Weather Service has included an impact-based warning tag in their alert that indicates very dangerous conditions—for example, a severe thunderstorm with predicted wind gusts greater than 70 mph or hail an inch in diameter or larger. When those messages are sent, we ask that all departments review and adjust their planned activities as necessary and take precautions to protect UT assets. This could include reviewing an event rain plan, canceling outdoor activities, securing outdoor equipment, moving vehicles, etc. 

 

The Office of Emergency Management, UT Police, Facilities Services and the campus manager for special events and protocol can provide guidance should you have any specific questions.           

 

 

 

Brian Gard,  CSSP

Director of Emergency Management

405c Andy Holt Tower

Knoxville, Tn  37996-0145

Office 974-3061

Fax 974-3536