The university will remain open and classes held unless there is clear and substantiated evidence to warrant otherwise. Determination of such conditions will be made through information gathered by the Director of Public Safety.
If the decision is made to close, radio and TV stations will be informed as early as possible so that information is included in their "school closing reports." If conditions warrant a closing announcement during the normal business day, that information will be passed on to the appropriate TV and radio stations as soon as possible.
If you do NOT hear that MSOE classes have been canceled on the local media, MSOE is open for business as usual and all classes will be held.
Check the MSOE homepage for updated information in the event of a closing.
For more information see the university closing policy
Tornado Watch
The National Weather Service issues a tornado watch when there is the potential for a tornado developing in our area. Designated employees will be contacted by Public Safety during this preliminary stage. They will then tune into the local radio station and listen for a weather bulletin either canceling the watch or upgrading the condition to a warning status.Tornado Warning
The National Weather Service issues a tornado warning when a funnel cloud has actually been sighted or indicated by radar. The warning will indicate the location of the tornado, direction of travel and period of time for movement through a specific area. Designated employees will be contacted by Public Safety in the event of a tornado warning.If you hear the city's tornado siren, a tornado warning broadcast for our area, or are informed by an employee, do the following immediately:
- Notify people in the building to begin moving to the designated shelter area, avoiding windows if possible.
- Ensure that persons in bathrooms and out of the way offices/rooms have been notified, without placing yourself in danger.
- Assist any disabled person(s).
- Remain in the designated area until the all-clear signal is given or the sirens have terminated. If you have a portable radio take it with you.
Evacuation Routes
There are no specific evacuation routes to be used to reach the shelter area. However, when moving to the area, the following precautions should be taken if the building layout permits:- Avoid using stairwells that have exterior windows, if possible.
- If unable to reach the shelter area, get to the lowest floor possible and move to an interior office or corridor away from any glass.
- Do not attempt to close doors or windows unless failing to do so will expose you to flying glass.
Shelter Areas
**In All Cases Stay Away From Windows And Exterior Walls**
| Building | Location |
|---|---|
| Krueger Hall | Primary: west stairwells Alternate: middle of the first floor |
| Kern Center | Primary: lowest level Alternate: interior stairwells |
| Library | Primary: west stairwells Alternate: middle of the first floor |
| Science/Engineering Center | Primary: interior hallways, offices Alternate: interior stairwells |
| SLCC | Primary: middle of the ground floor Alternate: interior stairwells |
| APC | Primary: basement level Alternate: interior stairwell |
| Humphrey House | Primary: basement level Alternate: lowest level possible |
| Business | Primary: basement level hallways Alternate: iInterior stairwells |
| MLH / RWJ / RGN | Primary: basement level Alternate: lowest level stairwells |