Knowing the difference:

Tornado Watch: Conditions are favorable for tornado development Tornado Warning: A tornado has been spotted in the area.

When the threat of a tornado is imminent, the city/campus emergency sirens will be activated. Stay calm and seek an area of safety immediately and monitor weather announcements if possible on any local radio, tv station, weather radio, or National Weather Service announcement transmitted to smart phones through the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS).

• If you are outside, seek shelter in a nearby sturdy building if time permits, or lie flat in a ditch or low-lying area.
• If you are inside a building, seek shelter immediately in the lower level or interior hallway or room of the building, get under something sturdy, stay away from outside windows and walls, and assume a crouched position with arms over your head.
• If you are in a vehicle in the immediate path of the tornado, get out immediately and seek an area of safety if time permits. If unable to leave the vehicle, ensure the lap/shoulder belt is on, and cover your head with your arms and/or any other protection items available to you such as coats, blankets or cushions.
• Remain in an area of safety until an ALL CLEAR bulletin has been provided by weather announcements or other emergency authorities.

The tornado sirens are tested the first Wednesday of every month at 1 p.m.