Emergency Procedures

In the event of inclement weather or a power outage, the Environmental Health and Safety Director will monitor the situation and make the determination regarding campus closure, late start, or early close. For weather-related or emergent notifications, TJC will communicate with text, email, and website updates. Additionally, social media may be utilized.

Flash Flooding

In the event of severe weather and rainstorms, areas adjacent to the TJC campus are prone to flooding. Campus Police officers are aware of these areas and will take appropriate action to inform those who are leaving, if hazardous conditions exist.

Tornado

The Environmental Health and Safety Director and Campus Police office will monitor the National Weather Service reports during normal school hours. Campus Police will monitor during non-school hours.

In a severe weather alert, the City of Tyler sounds sirens to indicate the need for safety measures to be implemented. If the sirens are sounded, the Environmental Health and Safety Director or Campus Police will activate the Ramey Tower Alarm System, which is similar to the wail siren from the City of Tyler. With the activation of this system, all persons will need to take cover.

Under a tornado warning, employees and students are encouraged to proceed to designated safe areas as indicated by building emergency exit signage. If no safe areas are indicated, proceed to interior hallways, basements, or interior walls, avoiding windows and open areas. Individuals should remain in these safe areas until notification is given over the Ramey Tower System or by an informed college representative.

Terms you should know:

Severe Thunderstorm Watch: Conditions are conducive to the development of severe thunderstorms in and around the watch area. 

Severe Thunderstorm Warning: Issued when a severe thunderstorm has been observed by spotters or indicated on radar, and is occurring or imminent in the warning area.

Tornado watch: Conditions are favorable for the development of severe thunderstorms and multiple tornadoes in and around the watch area. People in the affected areas are encouraged to be vigilant in preparation for the severe weather.

Tornado warning: Spotters have sighted a tornado or one has been indicated on radar, and is occurring or imminent in the warning area. When a tornado warning has been issued, people in the affected area are strongly encouraged to take cover immediately.

If you are outside:

• Try to get inside a building as quickly as possible and find a small, protected space away from windows.
• Avoid buildings with long-span roof areas. If you cannot find a place to go inside, crouch for protection next to a strong structure or lie flat in a ditch or other low-lying area. Cover your head and neck with your arms or a jacket, if you have one.

If you are in a building:

• Make sure you have a portable radio, preferably a NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) weather radio, for weather alerts and updates.
• Keep away from all windows and glass doorways.
• Go to the innermost part of the building on the lowest floor.
• Do not use elevators because the power may fail, leaving you trapped.
• Stay inside until you are certain the storm has passed, as multiple tornadoes can emerge from the same storm.
• Do not leave a building to attempt to “escape” a tornado.

Inclement Weather

The procedures below were developed to serve as a model for TJC's response in the event of severe inclement weather affecting or potentially affecting TJC. All portions of the procedures are subject to the discretion of TJC's President. Interruptions in electrical power to the main campus may impede any or all of the notification methods described below. Every attempt will be made to notify faculty, staff and students through as many communication methods as are available at the time.

During the Night or Prior to the Start of Class Day

1. In the event of inclement weather during the night that may cause the cancellation of classes the next day, TJC will align with Tyler Independent School District (TISD) decisions regarding closure or late start time. TJC’s decision to close or start late will impact all locations.
2. After the Environmental Health and Safety Director has ascertained if the Tyler Independent School District has closed or intends to alter its schedule, they will notify Campus Police, Director of Facilities, Director of Housing, Director of Campus Services and the Director of Public Affairs and Media Relations. 
3. The Director of Public Affairs and Media Relations will send an update using the following notification systems:
1. Area news media outlets will receive the latest word regarding changes to the regular operation schedule for TJC;
2. The voicemail for 903-510-3000 will let students, faculty and staff know the status of operation for credit and noncredit classes;
3. On the public website, the status of operation for credit and noncredit classes will be noted at www.tjc.edu/news
   4. Subscribers of Apache Alerts, TJC's opt-in text message notification system, will receive a text message about the status of operation for credit and noncredit­­.

NOTE: More information about Apache Alerts is offered in the Security/Crime Alert section of this document.

During Daytime Classes

1. In the event of inclement weather during the operation of day classes that may warrant the cancellation of classes during a portion of the day and/or the evening, the Environmental Health and Safety Director will:
   a)  monitor National Weather Service forecasts and local radar;
   b)  contact the Texas Department of Public Safety for road condition report of surrounding areas; and
   c)  attempt to ascertain whether or not Tyler Independent School District has closed or intends to alter its schedule.
2. The Environmental Health and Safety Director will make a recommendation to the Provost & Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs regarding any decision affecting the normal operating schedule of TJC. The Provost & Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs will notify the TJC President of the decision.
3. Upon receiving information regarding a decision to alter the schedule of operation, instructional deans will inform faculty at their own discretion.
4. As soon as possible, and by no later than 4 p.m., the Environmental Health and Safety Director will utilize the Immediate Notification System over the Voice-Over IP telephone system to announce any alteration of the normal operating schedule.
5. After the Environmental Health and Safety Director has determined the altered schedule, they will notify Campus Police, Director of Facilities, Director of Housing, Director of Campus Services and the Director of Public Affairs and Media Relations. 
6. The Director of Public Affairs and Media Relations will send an update using the following notification systems:
7. Area news media outlets will receive the latest word regarding changes to the regular operation schedule for TJC;
8. The voicemail for 903-510-3000 will let students, faculty and staff know the status of operation for credit and noncredit classes;
9. On the public website, the status of operation for credit and noncredit classes will be noted at www.tjc.edu/news
   • Subscribers of Apache Alerts, TJC's opt-in text message notification system, will receive a text message about the status of operation for credit and noncredit classes.