April 27, 2011 will always be remembered as the day when one of the deadliest and destructive tornadoes tore through Alabama.
As the F4 tornado ripped through Tuscaloosa, it destroyed thousands of homes, businesses and other buildings. At least 53 people died, according to AL.com. No one could have imagined this devastating aftermath.
Tornadoes can be unpredictable, so it’s important to take the proper precautions.
In the event of a tornado, staying in buildings such as apartments and trailers can be risky.
College students, in particular, should always some kind of safety plan.
Auburn Public Safety Director, Bill James, suggested those who live in non-sturdy structures, such as mobile homes, should try to get out when they hear warnings.
James said the safest places to go are those made of concrete and steel.
“A lot of the people that live in the trailer parks out on Wire Road will go to the vet school just because you have a lot more of a sturdy structure there,” James said. “Some of the parks also have a more permanent structure at their office, and if that’s as far as you can get, then at least you get there.”
Once a tornado warning has been issued, those who live on the upper floors of apartments should try to get to a lower floor or the complex clubhouse if possible.
The Auburn University Department of Public Safety and Security recommends staying away from windows and doors to prevent injury from glass or other flying objects and also using heavy items to protect your head.
Lauren Massey, senior in finance, lives at The Grove apartment complex where and she and her roommates have a self-designated place to go during tornado warnings.
“We decided that when there is a tornado warning, we will go to my closet,” Massey said. “It’s the only room in our apartment that doesn’t have an outside wall.”
Once there are signs of severe weather, it’s always a good idea to be watchful and cautious. Auburn University established an efficient alert system to keep students up-to-date with the weather conditions.
This system includes AU Alert messages, tone alert radios on campus and a weather monitoring radar system, which tracks storms across Alabama.
Lee County also has outdoor tornado sirens that signal tornado warnings.
Along with listening for the sirens, you should also keep an eye on the news and listen to the radio.
More recently, phone apps have been a useful tool to stay updated with the weather, such as The Weather Channel app.
Both tornado watches and warnings should be taken seriously.
“During a tornado watch, it’s business as usual on campus, but everyone should stay alert for changes in the weather and prepare to seek shelter should a warning be issued,” said Susan McCallister, associate director of the Department of Public Safety and Security.
The University also provides shelter during severe weather conditions to those who need it. Greene Hall on Wire Road and the University library are both open for students, employees and visitors.
For more information about tornado safety and risk management visit the Department of Public and Security page on Auburn University’s website.
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