MC Emergency Preparedness Guide • Weather Emergencies
On-Campus Emergency Phone Number: 685-4 911
Severe weather is any weather that can pose a threat to life and property. The information provided is to give the MC community information on how to handle potential severe weather events while visiting one of our campuses
Understand these terms:
Flood WATCH : Flash flooding is possible
Flood WARNING : A flash flood is occurring
What to Do if Flooding is Possible:
• Determine if your area is a flood risk — if unsure; call X4734 or (432) 685-4734.
• Plan for evacuation.
• Listen for campus alerts and monitor your radio or television for reports of flood danger.
• Do NOT try to walk or drive through flooded areas.
• Follow official emergency evacuation routes. If in your vehicle and it stalls in flood water, get out quickly and move to higher ground.
• Stay away from moving water and disaster areas.
• Turn utilities off until emergency officials advise it is safe to turn them on. Avoid weakened floors, walls and rooftops.
• Wash your hands frequently with soap and clean water if you come in contact with floodwaters.
• When floodwaters have receded, watch for weakened road surfaces.
• Do not return to affected areas until it is safe to do so.
Tornadoes are nature’s most violent storms. Spawned from powerful thunderstorms, tornadoes can cause fatalities and devastate a neighborhood in seconds. Tornadoes strike with little or no warning.
When a Watch or Warning has been issued:
• Monitor your local TV and radio stations for up-to-date information.
• If a tornado has been sighted in your area, go to a safe place in a building away from windows and doors, such as an interior hallway on the lowest level possible.
• Get under a sturdy piece of furniture—a table or desk.
• Use your arms to protect head and neck.
• If you are outside or in your car, lie flat in a ditch or low-lying area. Do NOT attempt to outdrive a tornado.
• Do not seek shelter under a highway underpass.
After Severe Weather has Passed:
• Be aware of broken glass and downed power lines.
• Check for injuries.
• Move seriously injured persons only if they are in immediate danger or if their life is threatened.
• Use caution entering a damaged building.
• Contact relatives to let them know you are safe.
Here are some tips for dealing with freezing temperatures (remember the four "P's"):
• Keep warm, stay inside if possible.
• If you need to go out, dress in layers and wear hats, gloves and an appropriate coat.
• Avoid overexertion, as cold weather puts added strain on your body.
• Observe heater safety:
— Never place a space heater on top of furniture or near water.
— Keep heat sources at least 3 feet away from furniture and drapes.
— Never leave children unattended near a space heater.
• Bring pets inside, and move other animals or livestock to sheltered areas.
• Keep adequate food and water available.
• Disconnect outdoor hoses, drain and store in protected area.
• Wrap exposed faucets and pipes - including those outside the house or in unheated crawl spaces, attics, garages and other areas.
• Bring potted plants inside or store in garage near interior wall to provide extra warmth and protection from wind.
• For cold-sensitive outdoor plants, put down extra mulch and consider covering with a cloth fabric of some kind to shield the plants from wind and frost.
Protect yourself from carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning by installing a battery-operated CO detector and never using generators, grills, camp stoves, or similar devices indoors.
It is also recommended that you prepare your car for winter. Have your car serviced and add antifreeze as needed.
Finally, keep emergency supplies at hand and stay informed about the weather conditions in our area by visiting our website http://www.hcoem.org/
Safety Tips During Winter Storm Weather
To stay safe during severe winter weather in the Permian Basin area:
• Stay indoors as much as possible.
• If going outside wear layers of clothing to keep you warm.
• Wear gloves or mittens, a hat and enclosed shoes or boots to prevent loss of body heat.
• Walk carefully on snowy, icy walkways.
• Avoid overexertion – heart attacks are a leading cause of deaths during severe winter weather.
• Avoid traveling by car until conditions have improved.
• Listen to local radio or television stations for updates.
• If driving:
— Keep the gas tank full for emergency use.
— Let someone know your destination, the route you plan to take, and when you expect to reach your destination.
• If your vehicle stalls/stops, stay with your car and tie a brightly colored cloth to the antenna for rescuers to see.
• Start the car and use the heater for about ten minutes every hour.
• Leave the overhead light on when the engine is running so you can be seen.
• Move your arms and legs to keep blood circulating and to stay warm while you sit.
• Keep one window slightly open to let in air.
• Help a neighbor who may require special assistance, especially families with infants, the elderly, and people with disabilities.
This site is intended to inform the Midland College community
about what to do in advance of, during and after an emergency.
Midland College Police Department: (432) 685-4734
Midland College Public Information Office: (432) 685-4556
Emergency Phone Number: 685-4 911