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September 27, 2005
Editorial: In a storm, little knowledge of procedure
Last Wednesday, the staff of the Oracle were toiling away editing copy, when it became suddenly dark.
We normally spend good portions of the day in the office and lose track of time, and thus we continued our work. At first, we attributed the darkness to the time lapse that occurs during marathon editing sessions. However, the familiar surreal whine of the tornado siren pierced our thick office walls, revealing the
danger outside.
Drew Science is a fairly sturdy building, and a fallout shelter to boot, so we felt fairly safe. Common Midwestern sense also dictates that the safest place in any building during a twister is the basement. Being journalists, we had to watch the storm blast through Old Main and towards Drew Science. While viewing the storm, we noticed that several people were walking around unprotected in the tempest.
We received unconfirmed reports that events in the Klas Center and classes in the Learning Center were told to go to the appropriate safe places. We have also been told that students in Drew Residence Hall were told to go safe places on the first floor. We received unconfirmed reports that students living in the apartments had little idea where to go.
Again, it seems to be Midwestern tornado alley logic to seek shelter in the lowest spot that is void of windows. But not everyone has grown up with the late summer and early spring threat of tornadoes. Worst yet, what happens when you don’t hear the warnings?
Now, we are not suggesting that we hold high school-like tornado drills, but rather clearly post where shelters are in each buildings. We also realize that there isn’t a PA or other campus-wide instant communication service.
There should be a campus evacuation policy, where students, faculty and staff know where to go for shelter from the storm. Furthurmore, Safety and Security should check each building to make sure occupants are secure, and then wait with those taking shelter to maintain radio contact while waiting for the ‘all clear.’
Posted by msveum at September 27, 2005 12:03 PM
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