As we head into the heart of severe weather season, it’s important for all Vanderbilt students, faculty and staff to understand how the university monitors weather threats—and what steps you should take to stay safe.
Outdoor warning sirens are not designed for indoor alerts
Outdoor warning sirens, such as Vanderbilt’s Big Voice system, are designed to alert individuals who are outside. You may not hear them indoors—especially in buildings with thick walls or noisy HVAC systems, or if you’re asleep.
VU activates AlertVU notifications and the Big Voice system when AccuWeather SkyGuard issues a tornado warning for our campus. Because outdoor sirens are only part of our layered communication system, everyone is encouraged to rely on more direct alerts, such as AlertVU texts, calls, emails and VandySafe notifications.
More information on what to do when you hear an outdoor warning siren is below, in the Emergency Guides online and in the VandySafe app.
AccuWeather SkyGuard offers precision tornado warnings for campus
To provide the most accurate and location-specific information possible, Vanderbilt partners with AccuWeather’s SkyGuard professional meteorological service. SkyGuard allows the university to send tornado warnings tailored to campus conditions—meaning our alerts may differ from those issued by the National Weather Service. This approach ensures that we provide the most accurate, timely alerts to protect our community.
For example:
- If the NWS issues a warning that includes a large area or nearby parts of the county, but AccuWeather determines the threat does not impact campus, VU will not activate AlertVU or Big Voice
- If AccuWeather determines there is a threat to campus and issues a warning—even if the NWS has not—VU will activate AlertVU and Big Voice
How you’ll get alerts
In the event AccuWeather issues a tornado warning for campus, Vanderbilt uses several communication methods, including:
- AlertVU (text, call, email and VandySafe notifications)
- Desktop alerts across campus and on networked computers
- Outdoor warning sirens (Big Voice)
Visit the AlertVU website for more information and instructions on how to update your contact information.
Types of severe weather and what to do
Tornadoes
If you receive a tornado warning while on campus:
- Seek shelter immediately
- If outdoors, go to a permanent building
- Indoors, move to the lowest level possible, away from windows; interior rooms, hallways and stairwells are great options, even if there is no posted shelter sign
- Avoid elevators
- Remain sheltered until an official “All Clear” is issued through AlertVU
Severe thunderstorms
Severe thunderstorm warnings are issued for storms with:
- Wind gusts of 58 mph or greater
- Hail one inch in diameter or larger
- Potential to cause damage to trees, structures or power lines
During a severe thunderstorm warning:
- Stay indoors and away from windows
- Avoid unnecessary travel until the storm has passed
- Be prepared for sudden power outages or debris hazards
Lightning
Lightning can strike miles away from a storm. If you can hear thunder, you’re close enough to be struck.
When lightning is in the area:
- Move indoors immediately; if you’re unable to get indoors, a fully enclosed vehicle can offer some protection
- Unplug devices and avoid water sources like showers, bathtubs or pools to reduce the risk of shock
- Wait at least 30 minutes after the last sound of thunder before going back outside
Flooding
Heavy rainfall can lead to flash flooding, especially in low-lying areas or near construction zones.
If flooding occurs:
- Never walk or drive through floodwater; just six inches of moving water can knock you off your feet
- Be aware of areas that are prone to flooding and take caution when traveling through them during and after storms
- Report flooded areas on campus to Building Systems Control by calling 615-322-2621 or VUPD by calling 615-421-1911 (emergency) or 615-322-2745 (nonemergency)
More information about how to respond to emergencies around campus is in the Emergency Guides online and on the VandySafe app.
More tips to stay weather-ready
- Keep your phone charged and enable emergency alerts
- Follow reliable weather sources like local news stations, the National Weather Service and AccuWeather
- Review shelter locations in buildings where you live, work and attend class
- Download the VandySafe app for quick access to Emergency Guides and tools
Severe weather can develop quickly, but being informed and having a plan can make all the difference. For more details on campus emergency preparedness, visit the VU Office of Emergency Management website.
