Emergency Weather Procedures

Severe Weather

In the event of a tornado or other severe weather, University personnel should advise students, other staff and guests to:

• Close all windows, drapes, blinds and shades.
• Move away from the outside perimeter of the building and toward a safe area on your floor, such as an interior washroom, stairwell, basement or any other interior room avoiding first floor lobby areas and any other areas with large, glass windows, doors, or skylights. Put as many walls as possible between you and the outside. Get under a sturdy table and use your arms to protect your head and neck. Do not open windows.
• Do not attempt to leave the building.
• Do not get on an elevator.
• If you are outside with no shelter: Do not get under an overpass or bridge. You are safer in a low, flat location. Never try to outrun a tornado in urban or congested areas in a car or truck. Instead, leave the vehicle immediately for safe shelter. Watch out for flying debris. Flying debris from tornadoes causes most fatalities and injuries.
• Campus Safety will send an RFUAlert when we receive a tornado warning from the National Weather Service.
• Remain calm and follow the directions of Campus Safety personnel.
• Note the City of North Chicago will activate outdoor warning sirens if they get firsthand accounts of sightings. When activated, anyone outside in the storm should seek shelter. The sirens are designed to be heard outside, not inside a building and are only used for weather events.

Winter Storms

The official source for information concerning possible or actual severe weather is the U.S. Weather Service. All commercial radio and television stations are in constant receipt of this information and in turn, broadcast the same to their listeners.

• Upon receiving notice of a severe snowstorm during working hours, Campus Safety will notify the President’s Office and members of the Executive Cabinet.
• The President (or an assigned delegate) will then make a decision as to whether or not to implement an early dismissal, as well as to what extent the dismissal will be. (See dismissals below.)

Severe Weather during Non-Working Hours

Should there be severe weather during non-working hours, the President’s Executive Cabinet or the Administrator on Call would determine if a Stay-At-Home Order should be made. If the order is given:

• An announcement would be posted on the University web page at https://www.rosalindfranklin.edu
• A text message alert would be sent using the RFU Alert system.
• A recorded message indicating the University has closed due to severe weather will be on the University’s main phone line (847-578-3000)
• A closed message will appear on www.emergencyclosing.com you can also register here for personalized email notifications.

Dismissals

Partial dismissal

A partial dismissal of employees and/or students may occur depending on the circumstances. RFU personnel need to ensure sufficient personnel are retained to continue operation and close department after normal working hours. Factors to consider include:

• Traveling the furthest distance to their homes.
• Taking public transportation which will stop running early due to weather conditions.
• Traveling with others who are leaving early.

Total Dismissal

A total dismissal would be announced via email and the RFU Alerts system. Upon hearing the announcement supervisors should:

• Immediately initiate emergency shutdown procedures as established within each department.
• Ensure all personnel have a means of transportation home.