2008 Woodie Awards
Tornado watch causes scare
Nick Wagner
Issue date: 10/31/07 Section: Campus Life
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A tornado watch for neighboring counties around Cowley County was issued last week. The threat of a tornado hitting Winfield is possible. People need to be aware of what to do in case of such a disaster.
Sarah Hallinan, director of residence life, said, "We tell the RA's of each of the dorm halls to help spread awareness of what were to happen if such a thing were to happen. We've created a tornado safety and evacuation plan in case an emergency were to happen, so people on campus will know what to do."
The tornado safety and evacuation plan has information about each building on campus in case of a tornado. Wallingford residents should move to the first floor hallways with the fire doors shut.
Cole residents should move to the basement level or first floor hallways.
The safety plan contains the basic information to be taken immediately such as going to a basement and away from windows, with more in depth information for each facility. The safety plan also states that people should stay in shelter until advised that its safe to come out.
Dave Helsel, director of safety and security, said, "As a personal preference I'd say that White P.E.'s basement locker rooms would be the safest place of all the facilities on campus. Stewart Field House is the least safe place to be in a tornado, too much open space without support beams."
Helsel also said that the basements of Mossman and the library are well structured.
On May 4, 2007, Greensburg was struck by the most violent tornado to hit U.S. soil in eight years. The tornado destroyed 95 percent of the town, killing 10 people. The town was completely leveled, leaving 300 students without a school.
Ashley Robinson, nursing junior, said, "Being from Kansas I know of tornadoes but I don't ever really expect to be affected by one. The Greensburg disaster was a major eye opener for me."
Helsel said, "If there is a tornado watch issued, we make sure to unlock all the doors to each building making sure they are accessible to whoever needs in."
To learn more about safety and security on campus for all situations, there is more information at www.sckans.edu/student_life/index.php?page_ID=1510.
Nick Wagner is a sophomore with an undecided major. You may e-mail him at nick.wagner@sckans.edu.
Sarah Hallinan, director of residence life, said, "We tell the RA's of each of the dorm halls to help spread awareness of what were to happen if such a thing were to happen. We've created a tornado safety and evacuation plan in case an emergency were to happen, so people on campus will know what to do."
The tornado safety and evacuation plan has information about each building on campus in case of a tornado. Wallingford residents should move to the first floor hallways with the fire doors shut.
Cole residents should move to the basement level or first floor hallways.
The safety plan contains the basic information to be taken immediately such as going to a basement and away from windows, with more in depth information for each facility. The safety plan also states that people should stay in shelter until advised that its safe to come out.
Dave Helsel, director of safety and security, said, "As a personal preference I'd say that White P.E.'s basement locker rooms would be the safest place of all the facilities on campus. Stewart Field House is the least safe place to be in a tornado, too much open space without support beams."
Helsel also said that the basements of Mossman and the library are well structured.
On May 4, 2007, Greensburg was struck by the most violent tornado to hit U.S. soil in eight years. The tornado destroyed 95 percent of the town, killing 10 people. The town was completely leveled, leaving 300 students without a school.
Ashley Robinson, nursing junior, said, "Being from Kansas I know of tornadoes but I don't ever really expect to be affected by one. The Greensburg disaster was a major eye opener for me."
Helsel said, "If there is a tornado watch issued, we make sure to unlock all the doors to each building making sure they are accessible to whoever needs in."
To learn more about safety and security on campus for all situations, there is more information at www.sckans.edu/student_life/index.php?page_ID=1510.
Nick Wagner is a sophomore with an undecided major. You may e-mail him at nick.wagner@sckans.edu.
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