The arrival of spring in Dayton also brings a change in the weather. While spring is known for sunny days and sprouting flowers, it is also known for thunderstorms and harsh winds.The city received a taste of that weather earlier this month when a tornado warning was issued in all surrounding counties.
While the counties were left relatively unscathed, it is still best to take precautions when a warning is issued. Afterall, Dayton was faced with a tornado on Memorial Day of 2019 that ravaged the Dayton area and destroyed many homes.
The 2019 tornado is a clear sign that tornadoes can do damage and can appear when you least expect it. What exactly are the precautions for a tornado? Students on Sinclair’s campus may feel they need to get home or travel far away from the campus if Sinclair is in a tornado’s trajectory, but that is not the proper precaution.
According to section 3 of Sinclair’s Emergency Procedures Guide, Sinclair Police will immediately monitor the storm as soon as it is officially announced by the National Weather Service.
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3 Years Later: a Look Back at The Memorial Day Tornados
How is Sinclair Contributing to Dayton Tornado Recovery?
If it is on a path towards the campus, the Emergency Notification System will be activated. Personnel in the Dispatch Center will warn everyone to seek shelter. A notification may also be sent to your own phone.
Whether you are outside or inside, the goal should be to travel to the basement of whatever campus building you are in and take cover. If you are in Building 7 with enough time to walk to Building 6, take cover in Building 6’s basement. If it is not possible, then take cover in Room 7006 of Building 7.
If the tornado is already on campus and you cannot make it to a basement, take cover in the nearest classroom away from any outside walls and be sure to form a curled position under any heavy furniture. Once the tornado is gone, an announcement will be made, and you will be free to leave the shelter.
While it is rare for a tornado to hit Dayton, it is still important to learn the proper procedures to stay safe if it was to happen again.
Dion Johnson
Intern