General Safety Program
Tornado Procedure

The tornado season in Wisconsin is from April to October. The majority of the tornados occur in the early Summer months. However, the most severe tornados occur in April and May. The peak time of day for tornados to occur is between 3:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.

Tornado Watch vs. Tornado Warning

A tornado watch means weather conditions are favorable for the development of tornados in the area. Information on a watch is given over radio and TV from the Weather Bureau or by emergency governmental agencies of the city and county.

A tornado warning means a tornado has actually been sighted in the area. The emergency sirens will sound a steady tone for three minutes or longer if there is danger in the immediate area. Call the Weather Bureau only to report a tornado.  

In Case Of a Tornado Warning

When warning sirens sound, seek inside shelter, preferably in a basement or below-ground evacuation location. A steel-framed or reinforced concrete building provides some shelter protection.

In a multi-story building, seek shelter in an interior hallway on a lower floor. Stay away from outside walls and glass windows or partitions.

While in the shelter, keep listening to your radio for the latest tornado advisory information and remain there until the "All Clear" signal has been given over radio or TV. There are areas of campus where the sirens are difficult to hear, if you work in one of these areas we suggest you purchase a weather radio.