When severe weather hits, new signs guide the way to shelter

Rikki Blume realizes that the new signs being placed in buildings across all three K-State campuses describing where to take cover in case of a tornado or other severe weather may seem like a no-brainer. This is Kansas, after all.

But the signs are more than just paper on a wall telling you to go to the building’s basement or a room on the lowest floor with no windows, said Blume, director of Emergency Management at K-State. They reflect K-State’s commitment to keeping our students, faculty and staff safe.

“Our new signs help guide the campus community to safer locations during some of the most dangerous weather events,” Blume said. “By improving clarity, accessibility and consistency across all buildings, the new signage strengthens the university’s ability to protect its people and supports a practice of readiness.

The signs are posted at the entry to each floor, with symbol-based signs located near Severe Weather Protection Areas on the lowest levels.

"Over time, universities grow and change,” Blume said. “Buildings are renovated, floor plans evolve and signage can become outdated or inconsistent. And when severe weather strikes, people need to locate safety quickly. Consistent signage helps make that possible.”