Emergency Preparedness

Tornadoes are violently rotating columns of air, extending from a thunderstorm that is in contact with the ground. Tornadoes can vary in shape, size and intensity. Most tornadoes last a few minutes and produce winds of less than 100 mph. However, a few tornadoes can last from 20 minutes to longer than an hour and can produce winds of between 100 and 300 mph.

The National Weather Service issues tornado watches and warnings.

• A tornado watch means a tornado is possible in our area and community.
• A tornado warning means a tornado has been sighted in our area and you are to seek safety and shelter immediately.

Once the national weather service issues a tornado watch for the counties near SCAD Savannah or SCAD Atlanta, you should:

• Monitor local radio and television stations for further updates.
• Expect contact from SCAD through Blackboard Connect.
  
• Be alert to changing weather conditions and be prepared to seek shelter immediately if conditions change.

 
When a tornado warning is issued for Savannah, the emergency siren system will be activated by CEMA. The emergency warning siren system is scheduled for testing at noon the first Wednesday of each month.

Upon activation of this warning system by CEMA, the siren will produce a steady 3-minute tone, which indicates an emergency condition in the Savannah area.

In both Savannah and Atlanta, the National Weather Service will interrupt broadcasting on television and radio stations to issue tornado warnings.

In the event of a tornado, you should seek shelter immediately.

• If you are inside a building or a home, go to the lowest level in the structure. If there is no basement, go to the center of an interior room on the lowest level (closet or interior hallway) away from corners, windows, doors and outside walls. Put as many walls as possible between you and the tornado. Get under a sturdy table or desk and use your arms to protect your head and neck. Do not open windows.
• If you are in a vehicle, trailer or mobile home, get out immediately. These structures offer little protection from tornadoes. Go to the lowest floor of a sturdy nearby building or shelter or seek cover in a ditch.
• If you are outside with no shelter, lie flat in a nearby ditch or depression and cover your head with your hands. Be aware of the potential for flooding. Do not get under an overpass or bridge. You are safer in a low, flat location.
• Never try to outrun a tornado in urban or congested areas in a car or truck. Instead, leave the vehicle immediately for safe shelter in a building or seek cover in a ditch or depression.
• Watch for flying debris. Flying debris from a tornado causes most fatalities and injuries.

In the event of a tornado warning, SCAD will issue a message through the university's emergency notification system, Blackboard Connect. It is important to keep your emergency contact information updated in MySCAD in order to receive these emergency notifications.

However, you should seek shelter when hearing the emergency warning siren. Do not wait for the Blackboard Connect message.

Your chances of staying safe during a tornado are greater if you have a personal plan and know where to seek shelter.

After the tornado has passed or the warning has expired, CEMA will not sound an all-clear siren. Local radio and television stations will communicate the all-clear message.

Do not call 911 during a tornado unless there is an emergency situation at your location.

Web sites

Department of Homeland Security		www.ready.gov
GEMA		www.gema.ga.gov
CEMA		www.chathamemergency.org
AFCEMA		www.afcema.com
American Red Cross		www.redcross.org
National Oceanic Administration		www.noaa.com
National Weather Service		www.nws.noaa.gov
National Weather Service		www.erh.noaa.gov/chs
U.S. Coast Guard		www.uscgboating.org
		www.uscg.mil/d7/airstasavannah

Georgia Public Broadcasting System

Albany		91.7 FM
Athens		91.7 and 97.9 FM
Augusta		90.7 FM
Brunswick		89.1 FM
Carrollton		90.7 FM
Columbus		88.1 FM
Demorest		88.3 FM
Dahlonega		89.5 FM
Fort Gaines		90.9 FM
Macon		89.7 FM
Savannah		91.1 FM
Tifton		91.1 FM
Valdosta		91.7 FM
Waycross		90.1 FM

NOAA Weather Radio

Hardeeville		KEC-85 Frequency 162.400 MHZ
Brunswick		WWH-39 Frequency 162.425 MHZ

Savannah television stations

WJCL-TV (ABC)		912.925.0022		www.thecoastalsource.com
WTGS-TV (FOX)		912.925.0022		www.thecoastalsource.com
WSAV-TV (NBC)		912.651.0300		www.wsav.com
WTOC-TV (CBS)		912.234.1111		www.wtoc.com

Atlanta television stations

WSB-TV (ABC)		404.897.7000		www.wsbtv.com
WAGA-TV (FOX)		404.898.0100		www.myfoxatlanta.com
WXIA-TV (NBC)		404.892.1611		www.11alive.com
WGCL-TV (CBS)		404.325.4646		www.cbsatlanta.com