2. Georgia experienced 67 confirmed tornadoes in 2011 which resulted in 16 deaths and 151 injuries.

4. The Beginnings of a Tornado Incident Step 1 – Cobb County Tornado Siren is activated. Step 2 – SPSU Police Department will notify SPSU of the Tornado Warning by Emergency Public Address (PA) and Hornet Alert. What to Expect:

5. Upon notification of a Tornado Warning SPSU Police Personnel will commence notification of the campus community. SPSU Emergency Public Address Hornet Alert System

6. In instances which a tornado is imminent or extremely probable, the campus community will be directed to seek shelter at designated tornado refuge areas located throughout campus.

8. If you are unable to reach a designated refuge area General/Classrooms/ Office Areas Go to the inner most part of the building on the lowest possible floor. Move away from windows and glass doorways. If possible close all doors in an effort to minimize thrown debris. Be mindful of safety hazards when choosing an undesignated area of refuge. Do not use elevators because the power may fail, leaving you trapped. Protect your head and make yourself as small a target as possible by crouching down.

9. Residential Areas In addition to previous instructions: Seek interior of building (bathtubs or other safe areas) When possible, cover yourself with thick padding (mattress, blanket, etc.)

10. Note: Buildings with broad roofs or large open interior spaces (such as auditoriums, cafeterias, or gymnasiums) should not be used or considered as protective areas. Many such areas, however, have adjacent service spaces (such as corridors, walk-in coolers, bathrooms or showers) that may be reasonably safe.

11. Outside and unable to reach refuge : Seek flat low surfaces ( ditch, gully, etc.) Lie flat facedown on low ground, protect the back of your head with your arms. Avoid wooded areas. Distance yourself from vehicles and large objects which may fall on you. Avoid areas of rapid water accumulation or flooding.

12. On the road Cars, buses, and trucks are easily tossed by tornado winds. DO NOT TRY TO OUT RUN A TORNADO IN YOUR CAR. If you see a tornado, stop your vehicle and get out. Do not get under your vehicle. Follow the directions for seeking shelter outdoors.

13. Consider your personal safety and response well before an on campus emergency. Consider your personal safety and response well before an on campus emergency. Although Georgia can get tornadoes at any time of year, the peak of activity in the state is in late winter and spring, with the months of March, April, and May seeing the highest activity.

15. Purpose: 1.) To increase the awareness of the newly posted Tornado Refuge Signs located throughout campus 2.) To test our newly implemented Hornet Alert Platform while simultaneously conducting an on campus emergency exercise 3.) To test the SPSU Emergency Public Address system and promote members to contact SPSU Police if they believe a PA speaker is not functioning properly 4.) To receive valuable insight and recommendations from emergency experts and local non-campus stakeholders in attendance of the exercise

16. For assistance, contact: Lieutenant Duane Manns (678)915-3999 dmanns@spsu.edu