Campus Safety

WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT TORNADO SEASON AT OSU (STILLWATER AND TULSA CAMPUSES)

Tornadoes are a regular part of Oklahoma weather. Understanding what alerts mean and knowing where to go during severe weather can help you feel confident and prepared.

Tornado Alerts

• Watch – Conditions could produce a tornado. Stay alert and be ready.
• Warning – A tornado has been spotted or detected by radar. Take shelter immediately.

What to know about Tornado Sirens:

• When the storm sirens sound, it is too late to travel to another location. Seek shelter sooner rather than later.
• A second siren is NOT an “all clear.” A second siren indicates there is still a threat of a tornado.
• Stillwater: The City of Stillwater tests storm sirens on the first Tuesday of every month at noon, weather permitting. Should inclement weather be in the area on a regular test date, the siren test may be rescheduled for an alternate time. If you hear the sirens any time inclement weather is present, treat it as real and take cover.
• Tulsa: The City of Tulsa tests storm sirens every Wednesday at noon, weather permitting.

Where to Go on Campus (Stillwater and Tulsa)

• Find OSU-Stillwater’s severe weather refuge areas here.
• If you are on the OSU-Stillwater campus after normal business hours, Legacy Hall and the Classroom Building will be opened by OSU Police for use as areas of refuge. Monitor weather reports and go to this building when it begins to storm; if the sirens are sounding, it is too late to seek other shelter.
• Find OSU-Tulsa's severe weather refuge areas here.

• Move to the lowest level of your building.
• Stay in interior rooms or hallways, away from windows.
• Avoid large open spaces like gyms or auditoriums.

Staying Updated

• When the National Weather Service issues a tornado warning for our area, a Cowboy Alert is automatically issued. You will receive a text message.
• Follow local news/weather apps and official OSU social media accounts for updates.

Be Ready

• Keep essentials handy: documents, medications, water, flashlight.
• Wear close-toed shoes and keep a jacket nearby in case you need to move quickly.
• Review safe areas in buildings you visit often.

👉 Learn more in the Tornado Tips section on the OSU Safety website.

Your safety is our top priority. For questions, visit safety.okstate.edu/safety-resources/weather/.