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ON-CAMPUS EMERGENCY Ext. #5555
OFF-CAMPUS EMERGENCY #911 (dial 9 first if using an on- campus      phone)
HEALTH SERVICES Ext. #7329

Tornado

Tornadoes although rare in this area of New England can and have occurred. They can strike anytime during the year, but are most common in the late spring and early summer.
Western Massachusetts has experienced major Tornado damage with fatalities approximately every 20 years; the most recent was in the town of Great Barrington, MA in 1995.

Wind speeds for a tornado can range from between 100-300 mph. They are responsible for the destruction of homes, with the most significant damage occurring to mobile homes, cars, and other objects in their paths. Paths of damage and destruction have been up to ten miles long or more. Some have been traced for over 200 miles.

Tornado Preparedness

1. When you receive word of a tornado warning for your area, you should take immediate shelter. Emergency information and plans are available at the Assumption College Police and on-line at the Assumption College Emergency Preparedness Web site.

2. Seek inside shelter if possible. If in the open, move away from a tornado's path at a right angle. If there is no time to escape, lie flat in the nearest depression, such as a ditch or ravine. In buildings with basements, seek refuge protection is afforded by taking cover under heavy furniture or a workbench. If there is no basement, seek out an interior room or closet, away from possible flying glass.

3. Hallways, with outside entrances at both ends, should be avoided, as they can become dangerous "wind tunnels" if the doors are blown open. It is wise to get down on knees and elbows, with hands shielding the head.

4. If you are in a vehicle at the time a tornado is noticed:
a. Do NOT try to out-run the tornado. They are unpredictable and do not travel in a straight path. Some tornadoes move much faster than others.
b. Do NOT stay in the vehicle, as they are more dangerous than a mobile home. You have two (2) options:
a. Find a suitable shelter as described above, or if one is not available, then
b. Find a ditch or depression and lie flat, face down with your hands on the back of your head.
· Do not consider a vehicle overpass as suitable shelter.

5. Have an Emergency Preparedness kit ready to go, just in case. The kit should include:
a. Flashlights with extra batteries
b. Portable radio
c. First aid kit
d. Necessary medical cautions
e. Sturdy gloves and hoes
f. Bottled water and
g. Non-perishable food with opener

For additional information, or to acquire the Assumption College Environmental, Health and Safety Policies and Procedures contact the Assumption College Campus Police at 508- 767-7225