A severe storm at night poses certain concerns additional to those of daytime warnings. Deadly nighttime storms have occurred in Wisconsin, as in the 1 AM tornado that killed nine people in Berneveld in 1984. One of the biggest problems at night is that people often rouse too slowly from sleep to seek shelter quickly, and many choose to ignor nighttime warnings altogether.
There are several suggestions if a nighttime storm warning wakens you.
DRESSING: Do not spend much time getting dressed. Put on whatever clothing is immediately at hand, even if it is out of the laundry bag--severe storms are not black-tie affairs! Try to take a jacket or sweater; if you become rainsoaked at night, you should have something warm that you can dry later. Pick the lightest, most visible colors you can; it will be very dark if power fails.
SHOES: Always put on some kind of footwear; if there is severe damage the ground will be littered with broken glass and sharp debris.
EYEGLASSES: Take your eyeglasses or contact lenses with you. You will need to see in darkened areas and watch out for dangers such as electric wires.
FLASHLIGHT: Take a flashlight and any spare batteries close at hand. Chances are good that others will not have one, and power often fails during storms. DO NOT TAKE, USE, OR ALLOW ANYONE NEAR YOU TO USE CANDLES OR OTHER OPEN FLAME DEVICES! Flammable debris, fumes, or spills are likely if there is severe damage.
WALLET/IDENTIFICATION/KEYS: If they are close by, gather and take your money, credit cards, identification, and keys with you as you leave for shelter; in the event of severe damage it could be days before you can find lost items or get back to your rooms. Take any prescription medicines that you require regularly. Lock your door as you leave.
CELLULAR PHONE: If you have and can find a cellular phone, take it. It may still work following a severe storm on campus, and possibly could help rescue and emergency personnel find you or be directed by you.
STREETS: Be extremely careful if power and lights are out and you have to cross streets following a storm. Any traffic (including rescue vehicles) will have trouble seeing you, and there will likely be downed electrical wires or flooded areas that you may have difficulty seeing.
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Please call the UWSP Environmental Health and Safety Office at x2320 or Campus Security at x3456 for further information.
The UWSP Environmental Health and Safety Committee maintains this page, last updated 24AUG98 (e-mail to Education & Training Chair).
Yours is visit # to this Web page since 31MAR97.