Severe Weather

• Prepare for a heat wave by checking to see if your home's cooling system is working properly.
• Make sure your home is well insulated and that you have weather stripping around your doors and window sills to keep the cool air inside.
• Plan on being inside a cool building during the hottest time of the day.

• Avoid strenuous outdoor activities.
• Make sure you remain properly hydrated by drinking plenty of water and limiting intake of alcoholic beverages.
• Eat light, well-balanced meals.
• Dress in light, loose-fitting clothing.
• Never leave children or pets alone in a closed vehicle.

Heat Advisory

A Heat Advisory is issued within 12 hours of the onset of the following conditions: heat index of at least 105°F but less than 115°F for less than 3 hours per day, or nighttime lows above 80°F for 2 consecutive days.

Heat Index

The Heat Index or the "Apparent Temperature" is an accurate measure of how hot it really feels when the Relative Humidity is added to the actual air temperature.

• If flooding is likely, and time permits, move essential items and furniture to upper floors of your building.
• Most importantly, move to a safe area before safe exit is cut off by flood water.

• Stay on higher ground; avoid areas subject to sudden to flooding.
• Do not attempt to cross through an area of flowing water if it is above your knees.
• Do not attempt to drive over a flooded road. You could become stranded and trapped.
• If your vehicle stalls while traveling through the predicted pathway of the flood, abandon it immediately and seek higher ground. Many people drown while trying to rescue their car.
• Do not let children play near storm drains.

• Do not drink any water from the area until it has been tested by health officials.
• Discard all food that has come into contact with floodwater. Canned food is okay to eat.
• Do not handle live electrical equipment in wet areas. Electrical equipment should be checked and dried thoroughly before being returned to service.
• To examine buildings, use flashlights not lanterns or torches, flammables from broken containers or ruptured gas lines may be inside.
• Report broken utility lines to the Operations Center: 701.777.2591

• Help people with special needs to a safe place.
• Stay indoors, do not exit the building or use elevators.
• Remain calm and alert.
• Listen for information and instructions from emergency personnel.

Indoors

• Stay indoors. Do not exit buildings or use elevators. You could be trapped in an elevator if power is lost. Locate an interior room.
• Go directly to an enclosed, windowless area in the center of the building. Corners or building support columns are best. Avoid the middle of interior walls.
• Stay away from all windows and large glass objects.
• Crouch down and cover your head. Interior stairwells are usually good places to take shelter, and if not crowded, allow you to get to a lower level quickly.
• Avoid being underneath heavier objects such as lights, wall hangings and other items, which may fall.
• Remain inside until storm has passed or you are cleared to leave.
• Do not use matches or lighters in case of leaking natural gas pipes or nearby fuel tanks.
• Help direct people with special needs to a safe place, if necessary.

Outdoors

• Move away from trees, buildings, walls and power lines.
• Seek the lowest possible ground (i.e., ditch or small trench). Lie flat in a ditch or low-lying if its the only area available. Never enter an open trench where a cave in or flooding may be possible.
• Stay away from power lines and puddles with wires in them. They may be live.
• Do not use matches or lighters, in case of leaking gas pipes or fuel tanks.
• Remain in position until noise and high winds have stopped.
• Do not enter any building that is deemed or looks unsafe.

Lightning

• Seek protective shelter immediately.
• If outdoors, do not stand underneath tall isolated objects. Avoid projecting above the surrounding landscape. Seek shelter in a low area under a thick growth of small trees. Avoid open areas, and seek low areas such as a ravine or valley.
• Get off or away from open water as well as metal equipment or small metal vehicles (motorcycles, bicycles, golf carts, etc.). Stay away from wire fences, clotheslines, metal pipes and rails. If you are in a group in the open, spread out, keeping people several yards apart.
• Remember, lightning may strike many miles from the parent cloud. If you feel your hair stand on end, lightning may be about to strike you. Drop to your knees and bend forward putting your hands on your knees. Do not lie flat on the ground.

Hail

• Seek protective shelter immediately.
• Remain indoors or under protective shelter until hail has stopped, usually 5-10 minutes.

Severe Thunderstorm Watch

A Severe Thunderstorm Watch is issued when conditions are favorable for the development of severe thunderstorms. A severe thunderstorm a thunderstorm that produces 3/4 inch hail or larger in diameter and/or winds equal or exceed 58 miles an hour. Watches are usually issued for a duration of 4 to 8 hours, and are normally issued well in advance of the actual occurrence of severe weather. During the watch, people should review severe thunderstorm safety rules and be prepared to move a place of safety if threatening weather approaches.

Severe Thunderstorm Warning

A Severe Thunderstorm Warming is issued when either a severe thunderstorm is indicated by radar or a spotter reports a thunderstorm producing hail 3/4 inch or larger in diameter and/or winds equal or exceed 58 miles an hour. People in the affected area should seek safe shelter immediately. Severe thunderstorms can produce tornadoes with little or no advance warning. Lightning frequency is not a criteria for issuing a severe thunderstorm warning. They are usually issued for a duration of one hour. They can be issued without a Severe Thunderstorm Watch being already in effect.

• Tornadoes and windstorms are common in North Dakota. Tornadoes are the most concentrated and violent storms produced by the earth’s atmosphere, and can produce winds in excess of 300 mph. Tornadoes and windstorms are usually caused by the intense local thunderstorms, and are common between April and October.
• Stay Informed. Weather radios enable you to monitor weather related forecasts, watches and warnings 24 hours a day direct from the National Weather Service.

Indoors

• Move to lower floors in multistory buildings and away from windows or other objects that could fall. The areas which would be utilized as fallout shelters would provide the best protection. Stay near inside walls when possible.
• Keep calm. Even though a warning has been issued the chance of a tornado striking your building or location is very slight.

Outdoors

• Move into a building and avoid downed electric power lines, utility poles and trees.

Driving

• Pull off the road and stop away from trees. If possible, walk into a safe building. Avoid overpasses, power lines and other hazards.
• Listen to your radio for emergency instructions.

• Check yourself and those around you for injuries.
• Evacuate damaged buildings. Do not re-enter until declared safe by authorities.
• Call 9-1-1 (or 777-3491 from a campus phone) only to report a life threatening emergency.
• If you smell gas or hear a hissing sound indoors, open windows and leave the building. Turn off the gas source and call your gas company. Do not use matches, candles, open flames or electric switches indoors.
• Monitor your portable or weather radio for instructions or an official all clear notice. Radio stations will broadcast what to do, the location of emergency shelters, medical aid stations, and the extent of damage.

Severe Thunderstorm Watch

A Severe Thunderstorm Watch is issued when conditions are favorable for the development of severe thunderstorms. A severe thunderstorm by definition is a thunderstorm that produces 3/4 inch hail or larger in diameter and/or winds equal or exceed 58 miles an hour. Watches are usually issued for a duration of 4 to 8 hours, and are normally issued well in advance of the actual occurrence of severe weather. During the watch, people should review severe thunderstorm safety rules and be prepared to move a place of safety if threatening weather approaches.

Severe Thunderstorm Warning

A Severe Thunderstorm Warming is issued when either a severe thunderstorm is indicated by radar or a spotter reports a thunderstorm producing hail 3/4 inch or larger in diameter and/or winds equal or exceed 58 miles an hour. People in the affected area should seek safe shelter immediately. Severe thunderstorms can produce tornadoes with little or no advance warning. Lightning frequency is not a criteria for issuing a severe thunderstorm warning. They are usually issued for a duration of one hour. They can be issued without a Severe Thunderstorm Watch being already in effect.

High Wind Watch

A High Wind Watch is issued when there is the potential of high wind speeds developing that may pose a hazard or is life threatening.

High Wind Advisory

A High Wind Advisory is issued when high wind speeds may pose a hazard.

High Wind Warning

A High Wind Warning is issued when high wind speeds may pose a hazard or is life threatening.

Tornado Watch

A Tornado Watch is issued when conditions are favorable for the development of tornadoes in and close to the watch area. Watches are usually issued for a duration of 4 to 8 hours, and are normally issued well in advance of the actual occurrence of severe weather. During the watch, people should review tornado safety rules and be prepared to move a place of safety if threatening weather approaches.

Tornado Warning

A Tornado Warning is issued when a tornado is indicated by radar or sighted by spotters. People in the affected area should seek safe shelter immediately. Warnings can be issued without a Tornado Watch being already in effect. They are usually issued for a duration of around 30 minutes.

• Stay informed. Listen to the radio or television for latest weather information.
• If roads have been closed, do not attempt to travel.
• Have a plan for an extended power outage. Winter storms have the potential to knock power lines to the ground and disrupt electric service for an extended period of time. It may be necessary to move into another facility/building to prevent injury.

Should conditions worsen during the day, administration may decide to close the University early. When such a determination is made, you will be notified through the proper channels.

• Stay safe, warm, dry and calm.
• Do not drive unnecessarily. Of deaths related to ice and snow, 70 percent occur when people are stranded in cars or involved in accidents. If you must drive, bring necessary supplies.
• Dress warm enough to prevent frostbite and hypothermia.
• Do not go outside if you don’t have to.

Vehicle

• In extreme cold or in heavy snow, stay with your car until you can be rescued. Do not leave your car unless you know exactly where you are, how far it is to possible help, and are certain you will improve your situation.
• Keep at least one window open slightly. Heavy snow and ice can seal a car shut. It also allows in fresh air to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Make sure the exhaust pipe is not blocked, which would cause dangerous fumes to back-up inside the car. Run the engine and heater for about 10 minutes every hour or so depending upon the amount of gas in the tank.
• Make yourself visible to rescuers. To attract attention, light two flares and place one at each end of the car a safe distance away. Hang a brightly colored cloth from your antenna. Tie a bright cloth to you antenna or door to alert rescuers.
• Turn on your dome light, at night, when running the engine.
• Raise the hood indicating trouble after snow stops falling.
• Exercise from time to time by vigorously moving arms, legs, fingers and toes to keep blood circulating and to keep warm.
• To protect yourself from frostbite and hypothermia use the woolen items and blankets to keep warm.
• Eat a hard candy to keep your mouth moist.

Driving in the winter means snow, sleet, and ice that can lead to slower traffic, hazardous road conditions, hot tempers and unforeseen dangers. To help you make it safely through winter, here are some suggestions from the National Safety Council to make sure that you and your vehicle are prepared.

Weather

At any temperature—20 degrees Fahrenheit below zero or 90 degrees Fahrenheit above—weather affects road and driving conditions and can pose serious problems.

It is important to listen to forecasts on radio, TV, cable weather channel, or forecasts in the daily papers.

Your Car

Prepare your car for winter. Start with a checkup that includes:

• Checking the ignition, brakes, wiring, hoses and fan belts.
• Changing and adjusting the spark plugs.
• Checking the air, fuel and emission filters, and the PCV valve.
• Inspecting the distributor.
• Checking the battery.
• Checking the tires for air, sidewall wear and tread depth.
• Checking antifreeze level and the freeze line.

Your car should have a tune-up (check the owner's manual for the recommended interval) to ensure better gas mileage, quicker starts and faster response on pick-up and passing power.

Necessary Equipment

An emergency situation on the road can arise at any time and you must be prepared. Following the tuneup, a full tank of gas, and fresh anti-freeze, your trunk should carry:

• A properly inflated spare tire, wheel wrench and tripod-type jack
• A shovel
• Jumper cables
• Tow and tire chains
• A bag of salt or cat litter
• Tool kit

Essential Supplies

Be prepared with a "survival kit" that should always remain in the car. Replenish after use. Essential supplies include:

• Working flashlight and extra batteries
• Reflective triangles and brightly-colored cloth
• Compass
• First aid kit
• Exterior windshield cleaner
• Ice scraper and snow brush
• Wooden stick matches in a waterproof container
• Scissors and string/cord
• Non-perishable, high energy foods like unsalted canned nuts, dried fruits, and hard candy

In addition, if you are driving long distances under cold, snowy, and icy conditions, you should also carry supplies to keep you warm, such as heavy woolen mittens, socks, a cap, and blankets.

Winter Storm Watch

A winter storm watch is issued when there is a potential for heavy snow or significant ice accumulations, usually at least 24 to 36 hours in advance.

Winter Weather Advisory

A winter weather advisory is issued when a low pressure system produces a combination of winter weather (snow, freezing rain, sleet, etc.) that present a hazard, but does not meet warning criteria.

Winter Storm Warning

A winter storm warning indicates when a winter storm is producing or is forecast to produce heavy snow or significant ice accumulations.