By: Jonelle Bobak
Loud Tornado sirens blared on Gardner-Webb’s campus on Tuesday, October 14; and it was not a drill.
According to Bradford Persistent Agent, which popped up on everyone’s computer and phone screen, a tornado warning was issued on the campus at 12:58 p.m.
University Police issued a warning saying, “GWU Campus Police, Cleveland County is currently under a tornado warning until 1:30 p.m. today.”
Students were told to take shelter. Students inside the Communication Studies Hall were asked to go inside the video lab, and they waited there until the tornado warning passed.
At 1:41 p.m. the Bradford Persistent Agent sent out a message, “The potential for a tornado still exists. No sightings in the Boiling Springs area. Remain indoors and close to you shelter area.” The warning was extended to 2:15.
According to a story by WCNC news channel in Charlotte, “Tornado warnings were issued in some counties Tuesday afternoon, but there are no reports of tornadoes touching the ground.”
Barry Johnson, Chief of Police for Gardner-Webb, said, “There was never any rotation, just a strong possibility of it.”
He recommends that students make sure they are aware of what is happening on campus. Bradford Persistent Agent is an emergency text service, available to students through Webbconnect. They can sign up by going to the Maintain Information tab and clicking on “opt in for emergency txt.”
“I definitely recommend students to do that,” said Chief Johnson. “People need to take these things seriously.”
In every building there is a sign that say Storm Shelter Area. These signs are on the bottom floor of every building and are used to guide students to a safe place. “Move away from windows and go to a shelter area,” said Chief Johnson.
“Students need to be more responsible about personal safety and be aware of what’s happening,” said Chief Johnson.