By Gustavo Dias Juliani, Staff Writer
Severe weather season has arrived, and the Newman University community is being urged to look toward the sky — and to familiarize itself with safety protocols.
Carlos Atondo, Newman’s head of security, said he recently met with staff members to remind them that, although his department monitors weather patterns year-round — including high winds, hail and ice — tornadoes on the ground require immediate action.
"Most students don’t think about severe weather until it happens," Atondo said.
The university relies on a multi-tiered notification system to reach the student body, Atondo said. He and his staff monitor conditions throughout the week and post information about initial threats to the campus GroupMe chat, the primary hub for student communications.
In the event of an immediate weather threat, students will receive an emergency tone on their phones. Additionally, the Sedgwick County Emergency Management Office will activate tornado sirens throughout the city of Wichita.
Atondo said that understanding severe weather terminology is a key part of staying safe, especially during tornado season. A tornado watch signifies that the environment is favorable for a tornado to develop, while a tornado warning means a tornado has been spotted on the ground by a trained spotter or confirmed by National Weather Service radar.
Security has identified specific reinforced areas across campus recommended by county officials for use as primary shelters. For those caught in academic buildings during a tornado warning, designated shelters include:
- Dugan Library/Student Activity Center: DL 120 and first-floor restrooms.
- Bishop Gerber Hall: Room 105.
- DeMattias Fine Arts Center: The Art Gallery, the Green Room, and dressing rooms.
- Sacred Heart Hall: Lower-level rooms near the IT department and the back portion of Mail and Copy.
- Eck Hall: First-floor restrooms and classrooms 118 and 124.
Students who live in Beata, Carrocci, and Fugate halls on the third floor should evacuate to the first floor immediately upon learning of a tornado warning. Safe zones in these buildings include laundry rooms and interior hallways. Students at outdoor sports fields should seek shelter inside the nearest university building.
Atondo said that he also recommends students keep their cell phones charged and keep a small emergency bag containing water and extra clothing.
“Grab any essential medications you might need for the next 24 hours,”he said.
The security department is working with university staff to produce a comprehensive map of shelter locations. The map will be displayed in every building on campus, Atondo said
PHOTO: Courtesy, Unsplash
