Emergency Preparedness

Emergency Guidelines

Chemical Spill


Thunderstorms

During spring and summer in Georgia, there is an increased threat of severe thunderstorms.  Thunderstorms are dangerous because they can produce strong winds, lightning, tornadoes, hail, and flash flooding.

Keep yourself as well as your family safe by understanding the primary threats during a thunderstorm.

Before a Thunderstorm:

Familiarize yourself with the terms used to identify a thunderstorm hazard:

*Note, a severe thunderstorm refers to a thunderstorm producing winds of 58 mph or greater, 1-inch (quarter) size hail or larger, and/or a tornado.

During a Thunderstorm:

After a Thunderstorm:

After the storm passes, remember to:


Utility or Power Failure

Gas Leaks:

*Note, starting a vehicle while gas is emitted into the air could cause serious damage to lives and property in the immediate area.

Power Outage:


Tornado

Tornados are nature’s most violent storms and they are Georgia’s No. 1 weather-related killer.  They can develop without warning and oftentimes can be hidden by trees or rain.  Be prepared to act quickly.  Planning and practicing specifically how and where you take shelter is a matter of survival.  Tornadoes can occur at any time of the year, making advance preparation vitally important.  

Before a Tornado

A storm can strike suddenly and it may occur at a moment’s notice.  Ensure your phone number is in your student account to receive emergency messages as well as your relatives.

A tornado WATCH means weather conditions are favorable for tornadoes to develop.

A tornado WARNING means either a tornado is occurring or is expected to develop shortly in your area, and you need to take shelter immediately. 

Determine in advance where you will take shelter in case of a tornado warning.

When a Tornado WATCH is Issued

Monitor a radio or television for the latest weather forecasts, log onto the University’s website and/or review Weather.com to remain aware of any changes or alerts.

Be alert to changing weather conditions.  Blowing debris or the sound of an approaching tornado may alert you.  Many people have reported that the sound of a tornado sounds like a freight train.

Make sure you know where you will seek shelter if a tornado warning is issued.  The best practice is to shelter inside a sturdy building (shelter).  If a tornado warning is issued, you will not have much time to act.

When a Tornado WARNING is issued  

Local authorities may not immediately be able to provide information on what is happening and what you should do.  However, you should listen to NOAA Weather Radio, watch TV, listen to any portable radio, or check the internet often for official news and instructions as they become available.

Remain out of damaged buildings and stay clear of downed power lines.  Report downed power lines when safe to do so.

If you are trained, help injured or trapped people.  Check on others who may require special assistance.


FIRE

Notify SSU Police at (912) 358-3004 IMMEDIATELY and/or dial 911.  If possible, extinguish the fire.  If the fire is not extinguishable, pull the fire alarm system to alert other occupants in the building.

Occupants should exit the building IMMEDIATELY.

If you cannot leave the room


Active Shooter

Notify SSU Campus Police at (912) 358-3004 or by dialing 911 from an in-house desk phone immediately.

It is important to remain vigilant of our surroundings at all times.  “IF YOU SEE SOMETHING, SAY SOMETHING!”