Most tornadoes occur during the months of April, May and June. This means the tornado season has arrived and the following information should be brought to your attention whether you are at Wayne State University or at home.

A tornado watch is an alert that weather conditions are such that severe weather (tornado, thunderstorms) could develop in the general area. The alert provides time to plan appropriate actions if a tornado warning follows.

A tornado warning means a tornado has been sighted in the area and all persons should take cover immediately.

The local sirens for Detroit, Macomb and Oakland counties will sound a3-minute continuous blast for a tornado warning. It does not sound for a tornado watch.

Do the following when a tornado warning is in effect for the university area:

* Move to the lower areas of the university buildings;

* Seek shelter away from any potential sources of flying glass;

* Use suggested shelter areas such as basements and interior corridors or under heavy tables and desks;

* Use inner rooms such as closets and storage rooms for safety;

* If you are traveling in a vehicle and spot a tornado, attempt to seek shelter in a ditch or culvert or drive at right angles away from the tornado's path; and

* Avoid large open spaced areas such as atriums, gymnasiums and auditoriums because they are not recommended as suitable shelter locations.

For more information call the WSU Office of Risk Management at (313) 577-3110.