How to prepare for storms on campus

CLEVELAND, Tenn. – With flooding already soaking parts of Chattanooga and a hurricane on the way, preparation has never felt more urgent. 

Tyler Allen, director of campus security, says storms are best faced long before they arrive—through simple steps that can keep students safe when the weather turns.

“The main thing is [to] prepare early. Don't wait until you hear on the Weather Channel or something saying a storm is headed your way. Go ahead and know what resources you have at your hands [and] what resources you may need in the event of those things. For example, have flashlights and batteries on hand and have blankets in a vehicle,” Allen said.

Another way to prepare is to make an emergency food supply. Depending on the storm situation, some places on campus like the dining hall may be closed.

Abigail Poore, the residential director of Keeble Hall and Dirksen Row, recalls the snow storm in January 2024 and how some students were unable to reach the dining hall and did not have food.

“It can be good practice to have - if you can and it's feasible - a meal or two in your room,” Poore said.

Along with having a couple canned goods or frozen meals, students should plan grocery runs before a storm hits.

“You have this big run on grocery store items [and] you can't get anything,” Allen said.

Students can also prepare by paying attention during drills, understanding the dorm’s protocols and making plans between your roommates for food situations, emergency communications, and designating drivers. However, students aren’t rehearsed on what to do if they are not in the dorm.

“If you're in the cafe and there's a tornado warning, you should not run back to your building, your dorm, to take cover. You should follow the policies of the building,” Poore said.

Students should utilize campus resources and refrain from living in fear.

“Be alert, be praying, be proactive, but don't live in this constant state of panic,” Poore said. 

Texts from LEEUALERTS and the LiveSafe App would also give further instructions on where to go, what to do and updates on the storm.

To opt in for campus alerts, text LEEUALERTS to 888777. 

Download the LiveSafe App for updates from the University about storm safety, school closings and delays, safewalks, and other safety features.

For more information, visit https://www.leeuniversity.edu/security/ or the campus security office on 1000 Barnes Street NE Cleveland, TN.