Weather Emergencies

Facilities is equipped with a weather alert station which is on at all times.

Report any injury/damage to the Campus Police dispatcher at (304) 367-4357. Provide as much information as possible to respond to the emergency.

WATCH: Conditions are favorable for the development of severe weather. Everyone should closely monitor the weather station radio or computer as the situation progresses.

WARNING: Severe weather has actually been observed, and there is an imminent threat. Listen closely to instructions provided by weather radios/emergency officials.

THUNDERSTORMS:

• Frequently have high winds, cloud to ground lightening, heavy rain, and can produce tornados.
• STAY AWAY from windows and draw shades or blinds to reduce injury from flying glass.
• Minimize use of electric appliances.

SNOW:

• Monitor media announcements.
• For official information and full details check the web site www.fairmontstate.edu. or www.pierpont.edu.
• When public schools close in Doddridge, Preston, Barbour, Taylor, Randolph, Calhoun, Gilmer and Upshur counties, off-campus courses for Pierpont in that particular county are canceled. There will be no media announcement. Pierpont classes offered in Monongalia, Lewis and Braxton can operate if public schools are closed in those counties, so they will follow the same closings/delay schedule as main campus. The Robert C. Byrd National Aerospace Education Center and the Gaston Caperton Center in Harrison County also follow the same closings/delay schedule as main campus.
• In the event of a 2 hour delay, classes scheduled before 10:00 a.m. will be canceled. All classes starting at 10:00 a.m. or later will operate on their normal schedule. Staff members are to report as close to their normal start times as possible.
• USE GOOD JUDGEMENT WHEN DECIDING IF YOU CAN ARRIVE ON CAMPUS SAFELY.

TORNADOS:

• Alert system will be activated when there is a TORNADO WARNING, and you should SEEK SHELTER IMMEDIATELY in designated shelter locations.
• Stay away from windows and doors to prevent injury from glass or other flying objects.
• DO NOT go outdoors to see the storm.
• If you are in a vehicle, seek shelter in a building, ditch, or other safe place. Automobiles are very dangerous during high winds.
• Once the storm has cleared, notify Campus Police at (304) 367-4357 of any damages or injuries.

FLOODS:

• Secure vital equipment, records, and chemicals. Shut off all electrical equipment. Secure all laboratory experiments.
• Move to HIGHER, SAFER GROUND.
• DO NOT return to your building unless you have been instructed to do so by the Campus Police Department or emergency personnel.
• If flood water rises, DO NOT attempt to wade or travel through the water. Even small amounts of water can be very dangerous.

My designated shelter for tornado warning is: