Tornado & Thunderstorm Procedures

Tornado & Severe Weather Procedures

A Tornado or Thunderstorm WATCH means conditions are favorable for severe weather. Be alert and prepared to take shelter if threatening conditions develop.

A Tornado or Thunderstorm WARNING means a tornado or severe storm is imminent and has been detected by the National Weather Service. Individuals in the affected area should seek shelter immediately and remain there until the threat has passed.

During a WARNING:

  • Take shelter in designated tornado shelter areas—these are marked with official Tornado Shelter signage.

  • Seek interior locations such as hallways, restrooms, or interior classrooms.

  • Avoid windows, exterior doors, and large open spaces such as gymnasiums and auditoriums.

If You Are Outdoors:

  • Do not attempt to go home or leave campus. Go directly to the nearest available building and proceed to the designated shelter area.

If a Storm Strikes Before You Reach Shelter:

  • Take cover in the nearest interior room or office away from exterior walls.

  • Shelter under heavy furniture, in a closet, or against an inside wall.

  • Assume a curled position, protecting your head and eyes.

  • Stay away from glass windows and doors.

Shelter areas are marked with Tornado Shelter signage:

tornado shelter signage

EMMETSBURG CAMPUS

Tornado Shelter Locations – Estherville Campus
In the event of a tornado warning, proceed to the designated shelter areas listed below.

  • Agriculture Building: Evacuate the upper floor. Move into first-floor restrooms, offices, and small rooms.
  • Children’s Center: Move to restrooms.
  • Construction Technology Building: Move to interior restrooms.
  • Farm Equipment/Welding Building: Move to restrooms and small rooms.
  • Iowa Lakes Farm: Move to the Swine Breeding & Gestation barn. If in an open area, take cover in a ditch or ravine.
  • Laker Lounge & Marketing Print Shop: Move to restrooms or the basement.
  • Main Campus: Move to interior classrooms, hallways, restrooms, and small offices.
  • Student Housing: Evacuate the upper floor and go to the lower-level interior hallways or restrooms. Lower-floor residents move to the restroom areas within the rooms.
  • Veterinary Technician Building: Move to the basement or restrooms.
  • Wellness Center: Move to locker rooms, offices, interior classrooms, and restrooms.
ESTHERVILLE CAMPUS

Tornado Shelter Locations – Emmetsburg Campus

In the event of a tornado warning, proceed to the designated shelter areas listed below.

  • Aviation Building: Move to the northeast office.
  • Central Administration Building: Move to the basement.
  • Christensen Building: Move to restrooms.
  • Criminal Justice Building: Move to restrooms and small office rooms.
  • Four Plex (Housing): Move to restrooms.
  • Laker I (Housing): Evacuate upper floor and go to lower-level restrooms.
  • Laker II (Housing): Move to the lower-level basement or restrooms.
  • Laker Lounge: Take shelter in the restroom or behind counters. If weather permits, move to the main building hallways.
  • Main Campus: Move to interior classrooms, hallways, restrooms, and small offices.
  • Wind Turbine & Turbine Tech Building: Move to restrooms and small offices.
OTHER LOCATIONS

Tornado Shelter Locations – Additional Campuses
In the event of a tornado warning, proceed to the designated shelter areas listed below.

  • Algona Campus: Short hallway, restrooms, Room 10, small offices, and the Tietz Center area.
  • Spencer Campus: Lower level, restrooms, hallways, and small office areas.
  • Spirit Lake Campus: Hallways, restrooms, and small offices.

Remain in Shelter:

Stay in the shelter area until an official "all clear" message is announced, indicating the emergency has ended.