Kansas State University

• Environmental Health and Safety, 785-532-5856
• Office of Student Life, 785-532-6432
• K-State Counseling Services, 785-532-6927
• Lafene Student Health Center, 785-532-6544
• Facilities, 785-532-6369
• University Police, 785-532-6412

The Office of Student Life website contains helpful information regarding campus safety for students.

Weather and Road Condition Resources

Read about the university's decision process and policies for inclement weather. During winter weather, K-Staters need to make informed decisions about traveling to campus. To aid your decision we’ve assembled links to weather and road condition resources for each campus.  

• Stay calm—do not rush—do not panic.
  
  
• Be aware of the location of the nearest exit and announce this at the beginning of the class each semester.
  
  
• If a fire alarm sounds, or emergency personnel asks you to leave the building, you and your students must evacuate the building.
  
  
• Gather your personal belongings if it is safe,otherwise leave as quickly as possible.
  
  
• If safe, close doors and windows, but do not lock them.
  
  
• Assist physically disabled individuals to a safe location and notify emergency personnel. Most buildings have an identified "Area of Rescue" located near the top landing of staircases.
  
  
• Once outside the building, keep clear of entrances, move at least 100 feet away from the building and emergency vehicles.
  
  
• For additional information about evacuation procedures see Emergency Evacuation

• Call 911 to report the emergency.
  
  
• Do not attempt to move a person who has fallen or appears to in pain.
  
  
• Provide first aid, if someone is ill or injured and requires immediate assistance.
  
  
• Limit your communication with ill or injured person to quiet reassurances.

• If you detect a fire, call 911, pull the fire alarm and follow Evacuation procedures.
  
  
• If you hear a fire alarm, Follow Evacuation procedures - Do not use elevators.
  
  
• The fire alarm in the building will not notify the fire department.

Severe thunderstorms and tornados

Severe thunderstorms produce wind gusts in excess of 58 miles per hour or hail an inch in diameter or larger. These storms can also produce tornados, dangerous lightning and heavy rains, which can trigger flash floods.

Storm preparedness

You can monitor forecasts for K-State campuses on National Weather Service websites:

Campus Forecast

Local NWS Office

Radar

Manhattan

Topeka

TWX

Polytechnic

Wichita

ICT

Olathe

Kansas City/Pleasant Hill, MO 

EAX

One of the best ways to prepare for a severe thunderstorm is to have a properly programmed NOAA weather radio. These radios broadcast continuous weather information from the nearest National Weather Service office 24 hours a day, seven days a week. This includes official warnings, watches, forecasts and other hazard information. NOAA weather radios are readily available at local stores or from online retailers. A NOAA weather radio should be a part of every household’s emergency kit. In addition to weather radios, there are numerous smartphone apps that let you know a severe storm is approaching.

Storm response

During severe storms or tornados, Riley County and K-State will use outdoor warning sirens to alert those outside to take cover. The sirens will sound a steady three minute tone. Click to listen to an audio clip of the siren. K-State Alerts will inform those on campus of a tornado threat so sign up for Alerts today. Warnings also will be transmitted via local broadcast media.

When you hear a severe storm warning, seek shelter immediately. Some campus buildings have designated shelter areas; the locations may be posted in public areas or with the building emergency plan. If you are inside a building without a designated shelter area, go to the lowest floor close to the core of the building. Stay away from windows and avoid larger open areas such as cafeterias, gyms or auditoriums.

If you are outside, seek shelter inside a sturdy building. DO NOT shelter in sheds, storage buildings or under trees. Sheltering in a vehicle is safer than being outside, but drive to the closest shelter if there is time.

After the storm passes, continue to monitor local news or NOAA weather radio as more storms could be approaching. After you are sure severe weather has ended, check the area for damage. You should wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants and sturdy shoes when walking through storm debris. Contact local authorities if you see downed power lines. To report damage to campus buildings call the University police at 785-532-6412.

Source

National Weather Service Severe Thunderstorm Safety Page

Extreme cold

Extreme cold can be a threat at all three K-State campuses throughout the winter months. Prolonged exposure to cold weather can lead to frostbite or hypothermia. Strong winds can amplify the threat by creating a wind chill effect. The most effective way to deal with extreme cold is to limit your exposure and to dress properly when you do go outdoors.

Proper winter dress

During the winter months, it is best to dress in layers. The outer most layer will serve to keep out wind, rain and snow; while the inner layers will retain body heat. The lower the temperature, the more layers you should wear. Cover as much of your body as possible.

Wind chill

Under calm conditions, heat radiated by the body creates a layer of warmth between the skin and the surrounding air. Wind disrupts this layer of warm air speeding up the rate that heat is lost by the body. Wind chill can contribute to hypothermia and frostbite.

Hypothermia

Hypothermia begins when body temperature drops two to four degrees and can occur in temperatures as warm 60^oF. Approximately 1,300 people die of hypothermia every year. Symptoms of hypothermia include shivering, drowsiness, difficulty speaking, confusion and muscle stiffness. If you or someone with you is experiencing hypothermia you should seek medical treatment immediately.