OCCC will conduct two severe weather drills Wednesday, April 11, according to an email sent out by Emergency Planning and Risk Management Director Lisa Teel.

The 10-minute drills will begin at 10:40 a.m. and 7:45 p.m., with classes resuming as scheduled at 11 a.m. and 8:05 p.m. An “all clear” message will be given over campus loudspeakers and telephones at the conclusion of the drill.

Teel said the drill will simulate a response to a tornado warning issued by the National Weather Service with indications the storm is expected to track across or near the OCCC campus.

“Severe weather potential is a reality for this campus,” she said. “Advanced warnings and individuals finding and utilizing the safest areas possible has reduced the numbers of injured and killed by violent storms.”

The Campus Police Department urges all patrons and staff on campus to participate and cooperate to the best of their ability during the drill, according to the email.

“The drill is utilized to train and re-evaluate shelter plans,” Teel said. “This is about keeping you safe.”

Designated safer areas on campus, mostly found in stairwells, are marked by large green signs.

For more information about the drill or to inquire about safer areas on campus, contact the Campus Police Department at 405-682-7572.

To contact Whitney Knight, email onlineeditor@occc.edu.