Are You Prepared for Severe Weather?

Are You Prepared for Severe Weather?

As spring begins, Alabama may experience severe weather. Here are some tips that will help keep you safe:

Before a storm

  • Update your contact information in myBama so you can receive UA Alerts.
  • Have a way of receiving weather alerts from the National Weather Service. The UA Safety App provides weather alerts including a map showing the affected areas of Tuscaloosa County.
  • Be like Big Al and prepare an emergency kit.
  • Know where to go if a tornado watch or warning is issued. Don’t wait until the storm hits to think about where you will take shelter.
Tornado Shelter signs located at the entrance to North Lawn Hall
Areas inside North Lawn Hall are a designated tornado shelter and can withstand winds up to 250 mph.

During a tornado watch or warning

  • Seek shelter in one of UA’s storm shelters or Best Available Refuge Areas. Your pets are welcome to shelter with you in the Magnolia Parking Deck BARA.
  • If a tornado warning is issued, avoid traveling and seek shelter immediately. If you can’t make it to a storm shelter, seek shelter in the closest Best Available Refuge Area. The BARA location for each building can be found on the building emergency plan posted near entry/exit locations and in the UA Safety App.
  • If you are not on campus when a tornado warning is issued, seek shelter on the lowest floor in the center of the building and stay away from windows. Do not seek shelter in a vehicle or mobile home. If you live in an apartment building, seek shelter on the lowest level. Do not remain in apartments on upper floors.
  • During a storm, receive updated weather information from 92.5 FM UA Info Radio, or through the UA Safety App.
  • Stay in a safe place until the warning has passed and it is safe to leave. A UA Alert will be sent once a watch or warning has expired or been canceled by the National Weather Service.

After a storm

  • Report any damage or injuries to University Police by calling 911 or 205-348-5454.
  • Check on the well-being of your friends and co-workers.

More severe weather safety information can be found on the Office of Emergency Management’s website and in the University’s Safer Living Guide.

When is the next test of the UA Alert System?

Weather permitting the University will test its emergency notification systems, including UA Alerts, the public address system and digital signage Wednesday, Mar. 4, at 11:55 a.m.