CSU closely monitors weather and will make every effort to communicate predicted weather events and closures as far in advance as possible. When storm conditions are severe, factors such as wind and temperature combined with current and projected snow or rain accumulations influence the decision to close campus. If the university is closed, don’t come to work unless you are in an essential or emergency position. In a severe storm, essential services university operations will coordinate food and shelter as necessary.
Watch: Indicates that conditions are favorable for the weather event in and near the watch area, which may pose a risk to life and property.
Warning: Indicates that a weather event is imminent or occurring. Warnings are issued for significant weather events which will pose a risk to life and property.
Report any damages or hazardous conditions caused by severe weather to Facilities Management Dispatch or to CSUPD.
Lightning
Check weather before heading out and keep an eye on the sky. If you hear thunder, you are close enough to be struck by lightning.
Colorado State University utilizes Thor Guard, a lightning prediction system. While Thor Guard also detects lightning, the system has prediction algorithms that are engineered to warn people prior to a first strike therefore allowing people to safely seek shelter before the strike occurs.
When Thor Guard is activated, all CSU employees must seek safe shelter, and all CSU sanctioned events must cease operations and encourage participants to seek safe shelter.
When Thor Guard goes into Red Alert Signal:
- All outdoor activities cease.
- Seek safe shelter nearby. The safest location is inside a large, enclosed structure with plumbing and electrical wiring.
- If no buildings are available, then an enclosed metal vehicle such as an automobile, van, or school bus makes a decent alternative.
If conditions appear unsafe and a Red Alert Signal has not sounded, utilize sound judgement to assess your safety and guide decision making to cease activities despite the absence of a Thor Guard Warning. If you hear thunder, get to a safe place immediately.
Thor Guard Alert Signals
Red Alert Signal: One (15 second) long blast from the horn and a strobe light on the assembly begins intermittently flashing.
All-Clear Signal: Three separate (5 second) blasts from the horn and the strobe light will stop flashing. Activity may resume after the all-clear alert is made.
Flooding
Conditions that cause floods include heavy or steady rain for several hours or days that saturate the ground, when rivers overflow, when snow melts too fast, or when dams break. Follow all instructions given by emergency personnel.
- Move immediately to higher ground or higher floors inside a building.
- Only call CSUPD or 911 if you are trapped or someone is injured. Let them know what building you are in, how high the water is, and how many people are with you.
- Stay away from floodwater. Do not attempt to walk or drive through flood waters.
Tornado
Tornadoes nearly always start as a funnel cloud, but circulation must reach the ground in order to be classified as a tornado. The following tips can help to protect you in the event there is a tornado:
Taking Shelter During a Tornado:
- Get into a building and go to the interior lowest floor possible, preferably a basement or bathroom.
- If there is no basement take cover in a central part of the building in an interior area on the lowest floor.
- Take cover under sturdy furniture if possible.
- Stay away from windows.
- Cover and protect your head.
Winter Weather
Winter weather emergencies can include winter storm watches, warnings, and blizzards. These storms create dangerous driving conditions and concerns from exposure to cold temperatures, as well as wind and icy surfaces that can lead to slips and falls. Monitor weather conditions when winter weather is predicted.
There are several hazards to be aware of that are created by winter weather:
- Falling branches can be caused by heavy snow. Avoid walking under trees during heavy snow.
- Extreme cold and wind can cause life-threatening wind-chill conditions. Protect yourself by wearing several layers of proper clothing when outside.
- Ice and snow can create significant fall and slip hazards. Use extreme caution when traversing areas where ice is present such as north sides of buildings and parking lots.
Wildfires
Wildfires are unplanned fires that burn in natural areas like forests, grasslands, or prairies. These dangerous fires spread quickly and can devastate not only wildlife and natural areas, but also spread to nearby structures threatening homes, businesses, and government buildings.
With increased wildland urban interface, dry and drought conditions, high winds common in Northern Colorado, the potential for wildfires is high, even in urban and suburban areas.
When a Red Flag Warning is issued, maintain situational awareness in order to be ready to evacuate. Avoid use of open flames as fire conditions are ongoing or expected to occur shortly.
When a wildfire is in your area:
- Follow all instructions given from local authorities.
- If asked to evacuate, leave immediately and follow instructions for allowable escape routes.
- If there is time, take your emergency kit and other items of importance.
- Heed air quality warnings due to smoke.
- Proceed to an evacuation shelter of choice such as public shelter, hotel, friends/family members, etc.
High Wind
Dangers from high winds include flying debris, reduced visibility due to dust, damaged or destroyed structures, downed power lines, and overturned vehicles. The National Weather Service will issue a high wind watch when there is around a 50 percent chance for high winds to develop during the next day or two. When the threat becomes more certain in a specific area, a high wind warning will be issued.
If high winds are forecasted:
- Bring lightweight objects indoors or tie them down.
- Do not approach any downed power lines – call CSUPD or 911.
- Avoid construction areas if possible as they can be sources of flying debris.
- If driving a high-profile vehicle, talk with supervisor about delaying travel until the winds die down.
Earthquake
An earthquake is vibrations caused by faults rubbing against each other as they move. Earthquakes occur without any warning.
If shaking occurs:
- Drop to the ground.
- Take cover by getting under a sturdy desk, table, or bench. Avoid windows and other items that can fall on you. Cover your head and neck with your hands and arms.
- If you are outdoors, get into the open away from buildings and things that might fall on you.
- Hold on until the shaking stops.
- Stay indoors until the shaking stops and you are sure it is safe to exit. Do not use elevators.