Severe Weather and Natural Disasters

Lightning is a deadly weather hazard often underestimated during thunderstorms. It can strike up to 10 miles away from rainfall without warning.

When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors!

• Take immediate precautions when thunder is heard, indicating lightning nearby.
• Follow the 30/30 Rule: Go indoors if thunder follows lightning within 30 seconds; wait 30 minutes after the last clap of thunder to resume activities.

Safety Measures During Lightning:

• Postpone outdoor activities and seek shelter in an enclosed building with wiring and plumbing.
• If indoors is unavailable, a hard-topped metal vehicle with closed windows is safe.
• Unplug electrical devices and avoid open areas, patios, trees, and tall objects during a storm.

If Struck by Lightning:

• Call 911 immediately and move the person to a safer place.
• Administer first aid, including CPR if necessary, and use an AED if available.

Hail

• Hail is a common and costly weather hazard in the US, causing damage to property and posing injury risks.

Before a Severe Storm:

• Protect pets and vehicles by bringing them inside or finding covered parking.
• Stay informed with local weather alerts.

During a Severe Storm:

• Stay indoors to avoid hail and strong winds.
• Keep away from windows and glass doors; close drapes, blinds, or shades.
• Prepare for tornadoes by moving to a safe area within your residence.

On the Road During a Storm:

• Stay in your vehicle and slow down; seek covered parking if possible.
• If caught without cover, turn away from windows and shield yourself from broken glass with a blanket or coat.

If you are unsure of a safety issue call:

Campus Safety and Security immediately at 918-631-5555

In a medical emergency, call 9-1-1

Prepare for Extreme Heat:

• Extreme heat is defined as temperatures above 90 degrees Fahrenheit for at least two to three days, coupled with high humidity.
• Your body works harder to regulate temperature during extreme heat, which can be life-threatening.

Protect Yourself:

• Learn to recognize signs of heat illness.
• Avoid relying solely on fans for cooling as they do not reduce body temperature effectively.
• Identify cool places on campus and utilize window coverings and weather-stripping to keep indoor spaces cooler.
• Minimize outdoor activities and increase water intake when outdoors.

Stay Safe During Extreme Heat:

• If air conditioning is unavailable, seek cooling locations on campus and contact UTulsa Housing for assistance.
• Take cool showers, wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing, and minimize oven use indoors.
• Stay shaded outdoors, wear a wide-brimmed hat, and drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.
• Avoid strenuous activities during midday heat and be mindful of heat-related illnesses.

Recognize Heat-Related Illnesses:

• Learn to recognize the signs of heat illness.
• Seek medical attention promptly if symptoms worsen or if you suspect heat stroke (e.g., extremely high body temperature, red, hot, dry skin).

Get more detailed information about heat-related illnesses from the CDC and National Weather Service.

If you are unsure of a safety issue call:

Campus Safety and Security immediately at 918-631-5555

In a medical emergency, call 9-1-1

Understanding Floods:

• Flooding occurs when water temporarily overflows onto normally dry land, often caused by rain, snow, coastal storms, or dam and water system overflows.
• It is the most common natural disaster in the United States and can result in significant damage and danger.

During a Flood Warning:

• Immediately seek safe shelter.
• Evacuate if advised.
• Move to higher ground or a higher floor if indoors.
• Stay where you are if safe.
• Never walk, swim, or drive through flood waters—turn around, don’t drown!
• Avoid bridges over fast-moving water.

Staying Safe During a Flood:

• Follow evacuation orders promptly and do not drive around barricades.
• Contact your healthcare provider if needed and await further instructions.
• In a medical emergency, call 9-1-1.
• Stay informed through emergency alert systems like EAS or NOAA Weather Radio.

In Flood Water:

• Never enter flood waters on foot or in a vehicle.
• Stay in your car if trapped by rapidly moving water; climb to the roof if water rises inside.
• If trapped in a building, move to the highest level; signal for help from the roof only if necessary.

After a Flood:

• Await authorities’ clearance before returning to your dorm.
• Limit driving to emergencies.
• Use protective gear during cleanup to avoid health risks from mold, debris, and contaminants.
• Beware of electrical hazards and potential wildlife.

If you are unsure of a safety issue call:

Campus Safety and Security immediately at 918-631-5555

In a medical emergency, call 9-1-1

Prepare for winter weather:

Winter Weather Advisory – winter precipitation (snow, freezing rain, ice, etc.) is not expected to produce risks to life and/or property, but that could still impact travel and other activities.

Winter Storm Watch – potential for winter storm conditions (heavy snow, sleet, and/or ice accumulation) are possible within the next 24 to 48 hours.

Winter Storm Warning –significant winter precipitation (heavy snow, sleet, and/or ice accumulation) that will cause significant impacts and threats to life or property is expected in the next 12-24 hours.

Wind Chill – term used to describe what the air temperature feels like to the human skin due to the combination of cold temperatures and blowing wind on exposed skin.

Sleet – rain that turns to ice pellets before reaching the ground.

Freezing rain – rain that freezes when it hits the ground, roads, tree limbs, and power lines.

 Prepare for Winter Weather

• Have 3-5 days of food and water in your residence, as well as medications.
• Take precautions so that pipes don’t freeze.
  • Leave water faucets open so they drip continuously.
  • Open cabinet doors below kitchen and bathroom sinks.
  • Always leave the furnace on in your residence, even if you are not there.

Dress for Winter Weather

• Wear loose, lightweight, warm clothes in layers.
• Remove layers, as necessary, to avoid perspiration and subsequent chill.
• Outer garments should be tightly woven, water repellent and hooded.
• Wear a hat to prevent less of heat from your head.
• Cover your mouth to protect your lungs from extreme cold.
• Wear gloves or mittens.
• Wear appropriate footwear for conditions.
• Try to stay dry.

During a Winter Storm

• Monitor local weather broadcasts and weather conditions.
• Monitor UTulsaAlert messages and UTulsa emails for updates regarding classes and university operations.
• Stay indoors, if possible, and minimize travel.
• Never heat an enclosed space with devices not intended to do so. Using fuel-burning appliances indoors can increase carbon monoxide buildup to dangerously high levels.
• Use all indoor heaters carefully and monitor their use to avoid fires.

When walking on campus:

• Watch for ice on sidewalks, in parking lots and when crossing roads.
• Do not walk in the roadways. Always utilize our sidewalks.
• Wear footwear appropriate for conditions.

Travel and Driving

Preparation:

• Have your car winterized.
• Keep gas tank at least half full.
• Build an emergency kit for your vehicle.
• Use the FriendWalk feature on the Safe UTulsa app to let someone know where you are going.

Build an emergency kit for your vehicle:

• Portable phone charger
• Extra hats, coats, mittens, blankets, or a sleeping bag
• Windshield scraper
• Shovel
• Flashlight with batteries
• Water and snack food
• First aid kit with any necessary medications
• Cat litter or sand to help tires get traction, or road salt to melt ice
• Booster cables with fully charged battery or jumper cables
• Bright colored flag or help signs, emergency distress flag, and/or emergency flares
• A can to melt snow for water

Travel

• Only drive if necessary, during a winter storm.
• Drive an appropriate speed for the road and weather conditions; increase the distance required for stopping.
• Watch for debris on roads including downed trees and powerlines.

If you get stuck or stranded:

• Stay in your car; do not try to walk to safety.
• Tie a bright colored cloth to the antenna to alert others.
• Run the car and the heater for about 10 minutes each hour to stay warm.
• Keep arms and legs moving to stay warm.

Winter Weather Resources

https://www.ready.gov/winter-weather

https://www.cdc.gov/winter-weather/safety/stay-safe-during-after-a-winter-storm-safety.html

https://www.weather.gov/tsa/

If you are unsure of a safety issue call:

Campus Safety and Security immediately at 918-631-5555

In a medical emergency, call 9-1-1