Inclement Weather
The Department of Public Safety is alerted to potential severe or inclement weather by weather radio and a civil defense receiver. Upon receiving this information, notification is made to the university community in various ways.
Weather closing
"In the event of inclement weather, the decision on whether to close the university is made by the chancellor after consultation with various personnel. The decision is made as quickly as possible for the safety and convenience of students, faculty, and staff.
If the decision is made to remain open, all regularly scheduled classes are expected to meet as planned. No public announcement will be made. However, if the decision is to close the campus, University Relations will alert area radio and television stations, and will announce the closing on the M-Formation line, a telephone recording heard by calling 767-1UMF."*
Do not call the Department of Public Safety with questions in reference to school closings. If the University of Michigan-Flint is closed, all area radio and television stations will be given the information to broadcast. The department dispatcher needs to remain available to handle emergency conditions and notifications required during the current weather condition.
Summer Inclement Weather
The Department of Public Safety will take the following actions in regard to these weather conditions:
Tornado Watch
A tornado watch indicates that weather conditions are favorable for a tornado. A tornado watch does not indicate that a tornado has been spotted. All departments will be contacted by telephone and informed of the tornado watch condition, as well as the time period indicated by the National Weather Service for the tornado watch.Tornado Warning
A tornado warning indicates that a tornado has been located in or around the Genesee County area and/or a threat exists. All departments and building occupants will be notified by the public address system and/or by Department of Public Safety employees. Students and staff with disabilities should be assisted to the designated shelter areas, using elevators when necessary.Severe Thunderstorm Watch
A severe thunderstorm watch indicates that severe thunderstorm activity may be expected. No notification will be made under these conditions by the Department of Public Safety.Severe Thunderstorm Warning
A severe thunderstorm warning indicates that severe thunderstorm activity is present or expected in the area. Departments with critical electrical equipment and computer systems should take note that their equipment may be placed at risk if plugged in and left running. All departments will be contacted by the Department of Public Safety and informed of the current and anticipated weather conditions.
In the event of an emergency, the department will assist people in locating the appropriate shelter areas. All persons will be asked to remain in the shelter area until the emergency condition is terminated.
The department reminds all faculty and staff that upon leaving the office, turn off the lights and secure the door. This will assist the department in a walk-through check of the buildings to determine if all areas are evacuated as well as to prevent criminal activity.