Severe Weather Emergencies

See also the university’s Inclement Weather Policy.

In the event of an emergency, information will be posted on the IUP Emergency Information web page.

Winter Storms

• Listen to the radio or television for emergency weather broadcasts. Remain indoors during severe weather conditions.

  • Indiana Campus: call the inclement weather hotline at 7-7538 from a university phone or 724-357-7538 from a non-university phone.

  • Punxsutawney Campus and IUP Pittsburgh East: call the inclement weather hotline at 724-357-7538.

  • Northpointe: Call 724-294-3300.

• If you must go outdoors, wear multiple layers of protective clothing rather than one layer of heavy clothing. The outer garments should be tightly woven and water repellent. Let others know where you are going and when you expect to arrive.

• Move away from trees, overhead power lines and other utilities that may collapse due to ice and snow accumulation. Keep dry and walk carefully on snowy and icy walkways to avoid falling.

• If you become trapped in a vehicle, remain there, but turn off engine to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Do not try to walk to safety unless you can see a building close by; disorientation occurs quickly in wind-driven snow.

Flooding and Lightning

• Move inside a building to the highest floor for greater protection and stay there. Close all windows and doors; draw blinds and/or shades over windows. Unplug electrical appliances and stay away from flooded areas like a basement to avoid electrocution.

• Do not attempt to cross flooded streams or fast-moving water either on foot or in a car. The water may be deeper than you anticipate, and you could be swept away.

• Move away from trees, power lines, and other tall objects; stay low to prevent lightning strikes.

Tornado or Earthquake

• If you are indoors, seek refuge on the lowest level of the building.

• Go to the basement or move to the stair tower, crawl under a sturdy wooden table or desk, or stand in a doorway. These are places to seek shelter from falling objects and flying debris and are some of the strongest structural components of a building.

• Stay away from glass windows and doors, shelves, and appliances.

• If you are outdoors, move quickly away from buildings, utility poles, and other structures; avoid power or utility lines, as they may be energized.

• If in a vehicle, stop in the safest place available away from power lines and trees. If necessary, stay in the vehicle for shelter during an earthquake. In a tornado, get out of the vehicle and seek shelter in a culvert or other low-lying area.