In the event of lightning/thunder:
Outdoor Programs
Any outdoor programs on campus should be notified of severe weather. Staff and participants should move indoors. Outdoor activities must be paused for 20 minutes any time lightning is seen or thunder is heard. 20-minute cycle resets every time there lightning is seen or thunder is heard.
Pools
- Make sure lifeguard(s) on duty are aware of the conditions.
- Lifeguard(s) clears pool with a long whistle blast.
- Lifeguard(s)/instructor(s) clears pool deck and directs members to locker room facilities.
- Lifeguard(s) posts "Pool Closed" and "No Lifeguard on Duty" signs and locks doors.
- Lifeguards wait in lobby until severe weather clears. Once cleared, take down signs and notify Front Desk that pool is open.
Pool must be cleared for 20 minutes any time lightning is seen or thunder is heard. 20-minute cycle resets every time there lightning is seen or thunder is heard.
In the event of a tornado alert:
- A tornado watch means there is a potential for tornadoes to develop. Keep an eye on the weather. Listen to the TV, radio, or check the Internet for special bulletins and updated information.
- A tornado warning means a tornado has been sighted. A director should make the following announcement, in a calm voice, in all areas of the building:
"May I have your attention, please. The National Weather Service has issued a tornado warning. Please calmly move to the locker rooms or other designated area and remain there until the "All Clear" is given. Our employees will guide you to the proper areas."
- Staff will assist with escorting all those within the facility to a safe area in a quick and safe manner.
- In the event YMCA program participants/staff are on an outing during a severe weather event, staff will ensure all participants seek shelter at that location. Staff will perform a headcount to ensure the presence of all program participants and fellow staff members.
- If in a vehicle during a tornado or tornado warning seek shelter immediately in a building i.e. a store, restaurant, etc. During a tornado, if stuck in heavy traffic and there is nowhere to go, duck and cover in a ditch. Ditches should be used only as a last resort as exposure to flying debris, rain, hail, wind, and lighting exists. If forced to stay in the car during a tornado, everyone is to keep on their seat belt and cover their heads below the windshield/windows to protect from glass. Do not go under an underpass.
- Know your safe spots. They are found in interior rooms or interior halls. Sit on the floor with your head facing the wall. Use your arms to protect your head and neck.
- Know your danger spots - near exterior walls, windows, glass, mirrors, unsecured or hanging objects, and around chemicals.
- Do not allow anyone to leave the building until they have been warned of the condition. If an adult (over age 18) refuses to go to the designated area and insists on leaving the building, that is their choice. However, they may not remain in a non-designated area of the building.
In the event of a flash flood or rising water:
- Clear members from the danger area.
In the event of any property damage from storms, flooding, or other severe weather, when it is safe to do so:
Call {facility_director_name}, {facility_director_title}, at {facility_director_phone} ({facility_director_phone_type}). {facility_director_tap_to_call}.
{executive_director_notify_1} {executive_director_name}{executive_director_notify_2} {executive_director_title}{executive_director_notify_3} {executive_director_phone} {executive_director_notify_4}{executive_director_phone_type}{executive_director_notify_5} {executive_director_tap_to_call}