Department of

Environmental Health and Safety

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Severe Weather

Weather emergency concerns for the Salt Lake City area include high winds, heavy snows, and lightning. Because the University of Utah does not have an early warning system for weather emergencies, a weather emergency radio can be used to monitor changing weather conditions and act accordingly.

The information included here is intended to provide general guidelines for handling various weather emergencies.

High Winds
High winds can topple trees, outdoor equipment, electrical lines and send construction materials and debris flying. If you are inside, stay inside away from windows until the winds subside. If you are outside, seek shelter in a building and stay away from windows.

Snow Storms
When a severe storm occurs and impacts campus, the University President decides whether to close campus or whether personnel should leave work early. Personnel are notified through supervisory channels and University television and radio station broadcasts. When notified to leave campus, please do so without delay.

After an overnight storm, tune to the campus radio and television stations (KUER -FM90 and KUED Channel 7.)

Lightning
A typical lightning bolt contains several hundred million volts at 30,000 or more amperes. If you find yourself caught in a storm away from a protected building, avoid trees, flag poles, towers, and metal fences. A closed automobile provides a protective metal shell. If caught in the open, stay low.