The tornado months are normally April, May and June, however, tornadoes may strike at any time in Ohio. Sinclair utilizes "TORNADO SHELTER" signs on the wall of the basements in each building that marks a safe zone in the event of a evacuation.
Tornado Warnings should never be taken lightly. Sinclair Police determines when the campus community should be evacuated to the basements. The Sinclair Dispatch Center monitors the National Weather Service reports, bulletins issued on the Law Enforcement Data Systems computer network and the local media
If a TORNADO WARNING is issued by the National Weather Service, Sinclair Police will immediately monitor the path of the impending storm. If the college is within the projected path of the storm, the Emergency Evacuation System will be activated.
The Emergency Evacuation System will be activated in all buildings at the downtown campus (except the Eaker Street building and the Attorney's Bldg.) by a series of tones. Personnel in the Dispatch Center will announce that a tornado warning has been issued and that everyone should proceed to the basement. Periodic announcements will be made after the initial message is broadcast. When the all clear signal is given, an announcement will be made.
When the announcement is made, go immediately to the basement and do not attempt to go outside. If you are outside when the announcement is made, you need to seek cover in the nearest available building.
If the storm has already hit the college and you cannot make it to a basement, take cover in a classroom or office away from the outside walls. Take cover under any heavy furniture near an inside wall or inside a closet. Assume a curled position to protect your head and eyes. Stay away from large open areas, such as atriums, the gym, the fieldhouse, Blair Hall, the Building 12 auditoriums or any wide free span roof.
SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING TORNADO SIRENS......
Montgomery County may activate their tornado siren system when the warning is applicable only to certain parks of Montgomery County, and not Sinclair Community College. In these cases, Sinclair Police will closely monitor the storm and track its path in order to warrant an evacuation to the basement areas.
