Severe Weather Procedures
Recreation & Wellness programs can happen in all weather. Review our severe weather policies & guidelines related to severe storms, hot weather, cold weather and air quality recommendations.
To help prevent participants from injury severe weather, the following safety plan will be implemented for Recreation & Wellness programs.
Individuals with Mobility Impairments or Physical DisabilitiesRecreation & Wellness employees are responsible for assisting individuals with disabilities. The elevator may be used to transport individuals with mobility impairments or physical disabilities and their escorts to safe shelters. Visually impaired and hearing impaired individuals may be escorted down the stairs to safe shelters, but may require assistance in moving in crowded staircases and in finding the safe shelter.
Thunder, Lightning & Tornado
Thunderstorm Watch
This is a forecast of the possibility of severe thunderstorms (rain, hail, or high winds) developing in a large geographic area. University operations continue as normal, but stay alert for sudden changes in weather conditions. If possible, monitor local radio stations or local Internet weather sites. More information available through GVSU Emergency.
Thunderstorm Warning
A severe thunderstorm (with rain, hail, or high winds) has been sighted and may be approaching the area. University operations continue as normal. Outdoor athletic and intramural events may be cancelled. Remain inside the building and be alert for changes in weather conditions. More information available through GVSU Emergency.
Lightning Detection
Recreation & Wellness will utilize a lightning detection device to aid in the policy implementation. If the strike alert detection device seems to be unreliable or you are questioning the accuracy, faulty batteries, or other areas of concerns, the “Flash to Bang” method should be used in place of the pager system.
Flash-To-Bang Method
To use the Flash-to-Bang method, count the time from when you see a lightning strike until you hear thunder. If that time is 30 seconds or less, the storm is within 6 miles of you. Stop all activity and clear the area immediately. Activity may be resumed 30 minutes after the last sound of thunder.
Tornado Watch
- A forecast of the possibility of tornadoes developing in a large geographic area.
- University operations continue as normal, but stay alert for sudden severe changes in weather conditions.
- If possible, monitor local radio stations or local Internet weather sites.
- Activity is delayed or suspended until the watch is no longer a threat.
Tornado Warning
- A tornado has been sighted and may be approaching the area.
- An emergency situation requiring persons in the affected area to seek immediate shelter.
- Sirens are activated. All GVSU operations as suspended until the event has passed.
- Activity is suspended until the warning is no longer a threat.
- More information available through GVSU Emergency.
The safest area is the center of the building as close to the basement or ground floor as possible. Placards have been placed at main entrances to academic buildings alerting the designated shelter location. Placards are also placed at the designated shelter location. View the recommended emergency shelter locations in each building. In the event the locations do not provide enough space, individuals should be directed to a lower level room with interior walls and without windows.
More information available through GVSU Emergency.
Temperature Managment
Hot Weather
Cold Weather
To help reduce risk of heat illness, we will monitor the outdoor temperature by using the Wet Bulb Globe Thermometer (WBGT) readings from a digital sling psychrometer. All outdoor activities operate under a specific set of guidelines that are used to determine the level of risk. The supervisor is responsible for communicating to all participants and employing these guidelines.
The following policy guides decision making for patient safety regarding environmental cold injuries. Exposure to cold presents an inherent risk of injury. The following guidelines for activity and limitations apply only in the absence of precipitation. Precipitation, most notably rain and snow, can significantly increase the risk of environmental cold injury. In circumstances involving precipitation, decisions about delays and cancellations will be made by the Supervisor on an individual basis based upon the current conditions
An Extreme Heat Warning is issued when extremely dangerous heat conditions are expected or occurring. Avoid outdoor activities, especially during the heat of the day. If you must be outside, be sure to drink plenty of water and take frequent breaks in the shade. Stay indoors in an air-conditioned space as much as possible, including overnight. Check on family and neighbors.
An Extreme Heat Watch is issued when conditions are favorable for an extreme heat event but its occurrence and timing is still uncertain. Plan to suspend all major outdoor activities if a warning is issued. If you do not have air conditioning, locate the nearest cooling shelter or discuss staying with nearby family or friends who have air conditioning.
A Heat Advisory is issued for dangerous heat conditions that are not expected to reach warning criteria. Consider postponing or rescheduling outdoor activities, especially during the heat of the day. If you must be outside, be sure to drink plenty of water and take frequent breaks in the shade. Stay in a cool place, especially during the heat of the day and evening.
Forecast of hazardous winter weather due to various elements such as heavy snow, sleet, or ice accumulation from freezing rain. A watch is a long-range prediction. Watches are generally issued by the National Weather Service at least 12 hours before hazardous weather is expected to begin. University operations continue as normal. More information through GVSU Emergency.
Hazardous winter weather is imminent and there is a good possibility of heavy snow, sleet, or ice accumulation from freezing rain. University operations may be suspended or delayed. More information through GVSU Emergency.
Management of Heat-Related Injuries
- Call 911 for medical emergencies.
- If a Certified Athletic Trainer is NOT PRESENT:
- Assist the participant to the best of your ability.
- Activate EMS if deemed necessary.
- Refer to a local hospital
- If a Certified Athletic Trainer is PRESENT, treat according to training.
- For outdoor programs in a wilderness environment (delayed help), the Wilderness First Responder (WFR) or staff certified in Wilderness First Aid (if no WFR present) should treat the patient according to training, activate EMS as soon as possible, and begin evacuation planning for anyone with altered mental status.
COLD WATER SUBMERSION
Cold water submersion (35°F – 59°F) is the most effective way of cooling the body if a heat stroke is suspected. The participant should be removed from the water when the core temperature reaches 102°F and transported via EMS.
Management of Cold-Related Injuries
Any situation where an individual has been exposed to cold weather and would like to lay down and rest should be considered a medical emergency and necessitate activation of the EAP.
- Call 911 for medical emergencies.
- If a Certified Athletic Trainer is NOT PRESENT:
- Assist the participant to the best of your ability.
- Activate EMS if deemed necessary.
- Refer to a local hospital
- If a Certified Athletic Trainer is PRESENT, treat according to training.
- For outdoor programs in a wilderness environment (delayed help), the Wilderness First Responder (WFR) or staff certified in Wilderness First Aid (if no WFR present) should treat the patient according to training and begin evacuation planning to a medical facility for anyone with cold related illness that does not improve with treatment and for cases of deep frostbite.
- Intense pain/cramping
- High sweat rate
- Dehydration/thirst
- Fatigue
- Muscle cramping
- Pain
- Swelling
- Weakness
- Inability to catch one’s breath
- Fatigue
- Dizziness/lightheadedness/syncope
- Fatigue
- Tunnel vision
- Pale, sweaty skin
- Bradycardia
- Core temp ( >104°F)
- Excessive fluid consumption
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Swelling of extremities
- Progressive headache
- Confusion / disorientation
- Altered level of consciousness
- Core temp ( >104°F)
- Dizziness
- Irrational behavior
- Confusion / disorientation
- Altered level of consciousness
- Hot skin
- Tachycardia (100 – 120 bpm)
- Hypotension
- Hyperventilation
- Vomiting
- Core temp (97°F – 104°F)
- Dehydration
- Dizziness/lightheadedness/syncope
- Headache
- Nausea
- Intestinal cramps / diarrhea
- Profuse sweating
- Cool, pale, clammy skin
- Vigorous shivering
- Increased blood pressure
- Fine motor skill impairment
- Lethargy
- Apathy
- Mild amnesia
- Edema
- Erythema
- Stiffness
- Tingling or burning
- Mottled or gray skin appearance
- Tissue that feels hard and does not rebound
- Vesicles
- Numbness or anesthesia
- Small erythematous papules
- Edema
- Tenderness
- Itching
- Cessation of shivering
- Depressed vital signs
- Impaired mental function
- Slurred speech
- Unconsciousness
- Gross motor skill impairment
- Burning, tingling, or itching
- Loss of sensation
- Cyanotic / blotchy skin
- Swelling
- Blisters
- Skin fissures