As we head into the heart of severe weather season, it鈥檚 important for all Vanderbilt students, faculty and staff to understand how the university monitors weather threats鈥攁nd what steps you should take to stay safe.听
Outdoor warning sirens are not designed for indoor alerts听
Outdoor warning sirens, such as Vanderbilt鈥檚 Big Voice system, are designed to alert individuals who are outside. You may not hear them indoors鈥攅specially in buildings with thick walls or noisy HVAC systems, or if you鈥檙e asleep.听
VU activates AlertVU notifications and the Big Voice system when AccuWeather SkyGuard issues a tornado warning for our campus. Because outdoor sirens are only part of our layered communication system, everyone is encouraged to rely on more direct alerts, such as texts, calls, emails and VandySafe notifications.听
More information on what to do when you hear an outdoor warning siren is below, in the and in the .听
AccuWeather SkyGuard offers precision tornado warnings for campus听
To provide the most accurate and location-specific information possible, Vanderbilt partners with AccuWeather鈥檚 SkyGuard professional meteorological service. SkyGuard allows the university to send tornado warnings tailored to campus conditions鈥攎eaning our alerts may differ from those issued by the National Weather Service. This approach ensures that we provide the most accurate, timely alerts to protect our community.听
For example:听
- If the NWS issues a warning that includes a large area or nearby parts of the county, but AccuWeather determines the threat does not impact campus, VU will not activate AlertVU or Big Voice听
- If AccuWeather determines there is a threat to campus and issues a warning鈥攅ven if the NWS has not鈥�VU will activate AlertVU and Big Voice听
How you鈥檒l get alerts听
In the event AccuWeather issues a tornado warning for campus, Vanderbilt uses several communication methods, including:听
- AlertVU (text, call, email and VandySafe notifications)听
- Desktop alerts across campus and on networked computers听
- Outdoor warning sirens (Big Voice)听
Visit the for more information and instructions on how to update your contact information.听
Types of severe weather and what to do听
Tornadoes
If you receive a tornado warning while on campus:听
- Seek shelter immediately听
- If outdoors, go to a permanent building听
- Indoors, move to the lowest level possible, away from windows; interior rooms, hallways and stairwells are great options, even if there is no posted shelter sign听
- Avoid elevators听
- Remain sheltered until an official 鈥淎ll Clear鈥� is issued through AlertVU听
Severe thunderstorms听
Severe thunderstorm warnings are issued for storms with:听
- Wind gusts of 58 mph or greater听
- Hail one inch in diameter or larger听
- Potential to cause damage to trees, structures or power lines听
During a severe thunderstorm warning:听
- Stay indoors and away from windows听
- Avoid unnecessary travel until the storm has passed听
- Be prepared for sudden power outages or debris hazards听
Lightning听
Lightning can strike miles away from a storm. If you can hear thunder, you鈥檙e close enough to be struck.听
When lightning is in the area:听
- Move indoors immediately; if you鈥檙e unable to get indoors, a fully enclosed vehicle can offer some protection听
- Unplug devices and avoid water sources like showers, bathtubs or pools to reduce the risk of shock听
- Wait at least 30 minutes after the last sound of thunder before going back outside听
Flooding听
Heavy rainfall can lead to flash flooding, especially in low-lying areas or near construction zones.听
If flooding occurs:听
- Never walk or drive through floodwater; just six inches of moving water can knock you off your feet听
- Be aware of areas that are prone to flooding and take caution when traveling through them during and after storms听
- Report flooded areas on campus to Building Systems Control by calling 615-322-2621 or VUPD by calling 615-421-1911 (emergency) or 615-322-2745 (nonemergency)听
More information about how to respond to emergencies around campus is in the and on the VandySafe app.听
More tips to stay weather-ready听
- Keep your phone charged and enable emergency alerts听
- Follow reliable weather sources like local news stations, the National Weather Service and AccuWeather听
- Review shelter locations in buildings where you live, work and attend class听
- Download the for quick access to Emergency Guides and tools听
听Severe weather can develop quickly, but being informed and having a plan can make all the difference. For more details on campus emergency preparedness, visit the .听