Tornado season in Middle Tennessee means increasing threats from the skies here at Lipscomb.
In fact, the university has continued to hone its security plans, even going so far as to install a new warning system that was tested out during spring break.
So far, this campus has been lucky over the years.But others haven’t been. For example, just two years ago Union University, in Jackson, Tenn., sustained severe tornado damage: roofs torn off, dorms destroyed, buildings flooded.
Fortunately, no lives were lost at Union due to the university’s tornado preparedness.
Being safe during a tornado is crucially important, and here at Lipscomb it is taken very seriously.
Recalling the recent hazardous weather conditions, do you remember the obnoxious siren that continued blaring even when Lipscomb had cleared the tornado warning? Whenever the National Weather Service issues a tornado warning for Davidson County, the city of Nashville activates the countywide sirens.
However, Davidson County covers a very wide area, and the alarm is sounded when there is a tornado warning anywhere in the county. This can be confusing and misleading. Fortunately, Lipscomb is taking action to halt confusion and notify students of any immediate danger.
That’s where the new warning system comes in. Lipscomb has installed an emergency tower and outdoor warning system on top of the Bennett Campus Center. If there is a tornado warning in the immediate area, there will be a recorded message notifying those on campus to seek shelter immediately.
You will hear a siren and then the message notifying you of the emergency. This system was tested during spring break and is ready to help keep students safe for the rest of the year and into the future.
The moment bad weather even thinks about touching Lipscomb, campus security leaps into action.
“If there’s ever bad weather in the area, I’m going to be watching no matter what time of day it is, 24/7,” said Brad Wyatt, director of Lipscomb Security and Safety. “Our dispatch calls all the dorms and tells them to take cover. The communication starts with our office.”
RAs take responsibility to get their residents to their designated safe areas. Being aware of where to go in these emergencies is critical.
Safe areas for residence halls are as follows:
Elam: basement
Fanning: basement of Burton/Collins
Johnson: basement
High Rise: basement
Sewell: Allen Arena (while Sewell basement is under construction)
The Village: basement of Elam
One important measure taken is a text message sent out through LU Alert notifying students of extreme weather conditions and how to stay safe. Lipscomb used this service recently when extreme conditions approached the Green Hills area.
Students were informed that we were under a tornado warning and to immediately report to the basements.
When it comes to being safe during a tornado, the best practice is awareness. Stay alert and follows instructions.
Tornado Safety Tips
- Immediately take shelter when a tornado warning is called.
- Basements offer the best protection, but if a basement is unavailable to you, move into an interior room or a hallway on the lowest floor.
- Assume the tornado protection position: a seated position covering the head.
- Stay away from windows and glass doors.
- Stay updated on current weather conditions from the National Weather Service and LU Alert.