Weather Emergencies

Severe Weather

ORU security personnel will monitor the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) weather radio for severe weather information.


Prevention and Preparedness

 Each building has an Evacuation Plan and designated storm shelter.

  • Braxton Hall - first floor interior hallway
  • Christ Chapel - hallway by music ministries and rest rooms
  • Claudius Priscilla Roberts hall - Zoppelt Auditorium
  • Ellis Melvin Roberts Hall - basement
  • Gabrielle Christian Salem Hall - first floor interior hallway
  • Hamill Student Center - interior basement
  • Howard Auditorium - hallway between lobby and auditorium
  • Kenneth Cooper Aerobics Center - racquetball courts
  • Learning Resources & Graduate Center - lowest floor
  • Mabee Center - ground level restrooms or hallways
  • Michael Cardone Hall - interior stairway
  • Moyer Hall Personnel Building - interior stairway
  • Prayer Tower - auditorium
  • Susie Vinson Hall - interior stairway
  • Timko-Barton Hall - Conference Rooms 34 & 33N
  • Wesley Luehring Hall - basement level tunnel

The designated Resident Hall Director monitors in each Resident Hall and has been instructed to listen to public media when weather conditions may become severe and to provide warning to building occupants to seek shelter when severe weather (e.g. tornadoes) become imminent.

The city of Tulsa has installed an audio warning system at approximately every square mile intersection to warn of tornadoes and floods.


Severe Weather Watch

Watch for conditions which might indicate a response is necessary, listen to media reports where possible.


Severe Weather Warning

If a tornado warning is given by the media or steady blaring of the city sirens - move immediately to sheltered area, ground floor or basement away from windows, preferably a hallway or inside room such as a restroom, until the warning is lifted.

If a flood warning is given by the media or an intermittent blaring of city sirens and the flooding is in and around the ORU area, remain in a sheltered area until the media indicates that the flood waters have receded before attempting to drive through the indicated flooded areas.

If time permits, turn off electrical equipment and disconnect form power source, secure critical research operations.

Move away from windows for any type of severe weather that might cause breakage.

During lightning storms remain in the building avoid using telephones and electrical equipment. Disconnect equipment from power source where possible.

Damage or flooding in the building should be reported to the Power Plant at 918.495.6789.

If the storm has produced major damage, if injuries have occurred or there is an increased possibility of fire:

  • Call Security at 918.495.7750 and leave the building by the nearest exit to the nearest secure building.
  • Do not return to the building until off-site emergency responders in authority such as the Fire Marshal or ORU authorities indicate it is safe to do so.