Severe Weather Information

During emergency situations, advisories will be provided by Washburn University or the School of Law Dean's Office.

During tornado warnings, information about a tornado's path and status will be provided to the Dean or their designee in their absence, the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs; and in their absence, to the Associate Dean for Student Affairs. This individual will make the decision as to whether classes and other building occupants should be directed to go to the law school tornado refuge areas.

Tornado refuge area location are is the Heath Family Appellate Courtroom (Room 152, 1st floor, north wing (requires Adobe Acrobat Reader)):

  • (Note: Emergency lighting, including in the stairways, will come on if total building power is lost.)

 

Other Washburn University buildings

Helpful Shelter Hints

  • Keep away from exterior doors.
  • Close the corridor fire and/or stair doors (helps prevent wind tunneling, flying debris).
  • Utilize restrooms (windowless) in shelter areas if additional space is required.
  • If caught outside a shelter, stay away from tall furniture and files that could tip over. Get under something large or sturdy. Protect your head and neck.
  • Take a flashlight.

Emergency Phones

Tornado shelters are equipped with help/emergency (911) phones.

  • Use phones only to report emergencies such as health or personal safety issues. These phones ARE NOT house or local access phones.
  • Lift the handset to automatically dial 911 and reach Shawnee County Emergency Dispatch.
  • University Police will be able to call the phones to announce to occupants of the area when a tornado warning has been lifted and it is safe to exit the tornado shelters.

Short URL for this page:
https://washburnlaw.edu/safety

iAlert - Be Safe and Informed

Learn how to sign up.

Washburn University has implemented iAlert, a mass message emergency notification system which significantly enhances our ability to maintain a safe academic environment for staff, faculty and students. Participation in the iAlert system is voluntary. It is the responsibility of the individual to register for the free service and to keep the contact information up to date. Registration in iAlert is recommended for your own safety and well-being. All iAlert participants will be informed as quickly as possible in the event of a campus emergency or special situation in order to take appropriate and timely measures in response to the event.

  • iAlert will be used to notify you of situations threatening the safety and security of campus closings due to emergency situations threatening the safety and security of campus.
  • iAlert will NOT be used for general announcements or any other purposes.

The use of weather alert radios during severe weather season is also recommended.

Tornado Watch/Warning Definitions
  • Tornado WATCH: conditions are favorable for tornadoes. You may continue normal activities. Supervisors should assign someone to monitor the situation and notify others if storm conditions deteriorate.
  • Tornado WARNING: a tornado is occurring in the area. Seek shelter immediately! If you are inside a building, proceed to the designated tornado refuge area in the building. If there is no designated tornado refuge area go to an interior hallway or other enclosed area on a lower floor and away from windows. Avoid auditoriums, gymnasiums, or other large rooms where roof collapse may be more likely. Seek shelter if you are outside or in a vehicle.
  • Severe thunderstorm WATCH: conditions are favorable for severe thunderstorms. You may continue normal activities. Supervisors should assign someone to monitor the situation.
  • Severe thunderstorm WARNING: severe thunderstorms are occurring in the area. Be prepared to move to a place of shelter if threatening weather approaches. Stay indoors away from windows until the storm passes. If large hail begins to fall, seek shelter.