Severe Weather Safety

By: Elizabeth Rhinehart

Spring is upon us and it is almost guaranteed that spring weather in Alabama will include severe weather.

The fluctuating temperatures, scattered showers and strong winds are the perfect remedy for tornadoes and intense thunderstorms.

During this time of year, it is crucial to be prepared for these events and to know the safety precautions that could end up saving your life.

University of Montevallo Police Chief, Chadd Addams, says you can never be too safe.

"We want everyone to go to the lowest floor of the building, whatever building you're in, and try and get to the center of the building," he says.

Once you are in your designated safety area, the best things to do are: sit down as far away from windows and metal as possible, protect your head and remain calm until all is clear.

"We are going to send our resources to where we know we have people trapped," he says.

3D Art Building at University of Montevallo

Severe weather safety has been on the minds of officials at the University of Montevallo. The 3D Art Complex, the newest building on campus, is equipped with an official tornado shelter.

"When we built that, that was something that was mandatory that we put in there," he says.

Chief Addams also strongly encourages students and other members of the community to pay attention to the weather during severe storms. The University will keep students updated via text, phone call and e-mail in the case of an emergency.

The National Weather Service also has radar images from all over the country live streaming on their website all day, every day.

For National Weather Service radars, click here.

To find out more severe weather safety tips from University Police, click here.