Tornado watch vs. warning
• A tornado watch means be attentive because there is a possibility of a tornado forming nearby.
• A tornado warning means take shelter because a tornado has formed nearby.
RAVE, city alerts
• OU will send a RAVE alert if there is a tornado watch or warning near campus.
• RAVE alerts may be sent via text, email, social media or phone call.
• Emergency contact info for students, faculty and staff is pre-loaded in the RAVE system. To update or verify contact info, visit ecs.ou.edu.
• Norman residents can also sign up for emergency alerts through the city.
Preparedness tips
• Phones: Charge your devices in advance and be prepared to work without Wi-Fi in the event of a power outage.
• Updates: Pay attention to weather updates and have a shelter plan if a tornado warning is issued.
• Home refuge areas: Shelter spaces should be cleaned and have unobstructed entrances. Consider stocking them in advance with blankets, pillows, helmets, shoes and a safety kit.
• Safety kit recommendations:
Bottled water
First aid kit
Battery-operated flashlight
Radio
Charged cell phone and charger
Non-perishable food
Blankets
Clothing
Any required prescription drugs
Eyeglasses
Personal hygiene supplies
Identification
Insurance documentation
Shelter options
• On campus: All on-campus housing has shelter options. The shelters are only available to students. If told to “shelter in place,” do so in the building you are in when the warning is issued.
• Off campus: If you don’t live on campus seek refuge at home unless you are on campus when the warning is issued. OU buildings are not public storm shelters. Follow the “get in, get down, cover” strategy in an interior room on the lowest floor, and use a helmet and or blankets and pillows to protect yourself from potential debris.
• Norman sirens: The city of Norman may employ its outdoor warning sirens at times when an OU Rave text is not sent. In those instances, monitor local weather reports.
• Driving: Do not drive during a storm, and never seek shelter underneath a bridge or overpass. Get off the road and into the nearest building you can safely access for shelter.
