On Tuesday, March 19, Norfolk State University will participate in the State-wide Tornado Drill beginning at 9:45 a.m. and lasting to approximately 9:55 a.m.

In preparation for the drill, the following actions should be taken in the event of a tornado or extremely high winds. Please share.

On Campus – Shelter In Place

• Shelter immediately in the nearest substantial building.
• Turn off electronic devices and log off computers.
• Close windows, curtains, blinds and secure all desk and file cabinet drawers.  Close all interior doors.
• Take personal belongings and move to interior hallways, windowless interior rooms such as closets, restrooms, break rooms, offices or stairwells on the lowest level of the building. Keep away from exterior windows and doors.
• Use stairs to reach the lowest level, not an elevator.
• Kneel beneath counters or desks and protect yourself from flying debris by placing your hands and arms over your head or use blankets, coats, mattresses or pillows.
• Keep batteries and flashlights on hand in case of a power outage.

Off Campus – Move to a restroom or an interior hallway.  If there is no time to go anywhere else, seek shelter right where you are.  Move next to a sturdy structure that will support or deflect falling debris.  Protect your head by covering it with your arms.

Outdoors – Move or secure loose items such as lawn furniture, trash cans, hanging plants or anything else that can be picked up by the wind and become a projectile.​ Take shelter immediately in the nearest sturdy building. If no buildings are close, lie down flat in a ditch or depression and cover your head with your hands.

Automobiles – Do not park your car under trees. Get out of the vehicle and to find shelter inside a sturdy building. If a substantial building is not near, a culvert or ditch can provide shelter — lie down flat and cover your head with your hands. Do not take shelter under highway overpasses or bridges; debris can get blown under them or the structures themselves may become unstable.