If there are reports of threatening weather in the area (tornado, high winds, lightning, thunder, etc.) or you hear that a warning has been issued:

  • Seek shelter inside immediately in an interior room or hallway.
  • Shut all doors and close windows and blinds.
  • Stay away from exterior windows and doors.
  • Remain inside until the storm has passed.
  • If you must leave, be aware of downed wires and falling objects, and do not re-enter the building until you are cleared to do so by emergency personnel.
  • Once the weather emergency has ended, report leaks, fires, injuries, power outages, etc., to the Amherst College Police Department (ACPD) at 413.542.2111.

Some specific weather situations require slightly different actions, including:

  • Snowstorms: Stay at home if the College has closed to help keep sidewalks clear and passable. Avoid going outside.
  • High winds: Seek shelter indoors and away from windows and doors.
  • Tornados: If you are indoors, shelter in the lowest level of the building, away from windows and doors. If you are outside, go to the nearest ditch or depression away from power lines and trees.
  • Earthquakes: If you are inside, seek refuge under a doorway, table or desk and away from windows, doors, shelves or heavy objects. If you are outside, move away from buildings and power lines.
  • Hurricanes: Move furniture away from the windows, close and lock the windows, pull down curtains and blinds, move to a basement or center hall of the building, and stay indoors for the duration of the storm.

Download a PDF of the Amherst College Emergency Response Handbook.