Natural disasters strike Oklahoma, spark concern about safety precautions

By Farris Willingham, Editor-in-Chief
An outbreak of tornadoes coincided with an earthquake Monday in Oklahoma.

Six tornadoes touched down Nov. 7-8. Also, an earthquake with a magnitude of 4.7 struck 17 miles northeast of Shawnee, Okla., according to the U.S. Geological Survey website.

The frequency of these natural events has caused concern on campus about appropriate safety precautions.

Here are some tips on how to protect yourself during a tornado or earthquake.

For a tornado:

-If you are inside a building, get to the basement or lowest level.  Try to put as many walls as possible between you and the outside.

-If inside a vehicle, immediately exit and go to the nearest building.

-Find a ditch or depression and cover your head with your hands if you are outside with no shelter.

For an earthquake:

-Drop to the ground and seek shelter under a sturdy table or piece of furniture

-Stay away from windows, walls and anything that could fall on you.

-Do not stand in a doorway for protection. Many doorways are lightly constructed.

Click here and here for more information on safety precautions.