ISU officials highlight emergency alerts, tornado preparedness
Written by Ben Webster on April 19, 2026
Image courtesy of Illinois State University Police Department
NORMAL, Ill. – Illinois State University’s Emergency Management Department specializes in student safety and operates the university’s emergency alert system.
The department monitors threats, coordinates safety operations and issues alerts to students during events that threaten safety. It also operates an emergency operations center in the Nelson Smith Building. The most recent alert was issued on April 3 for a tornado warning.
With spring being a peak time for tornadoes, Emergency Operations Manager Dan Simon said he and his team remain vigilant.
“We have all kinds of ways that we can monitor radar, communicate with the National Weather Service, storm spotters and things of that nature,” Simon said.
In addition to weather-related emergencies, the department helps ensure safety at large campus events, including sporting events.
“At football games, given the scale of the event itself, we’re already in our emergency operations center, monitoring the event and helping coordinate public safety,” Simon said.
Simon said alerts are used selectively.
“We try to be specific about sending alerts,” he said, “so that we’re not sending them out for something elsewhere in McLean County.”
With warmer weather increasing the likelihood of severe storms, Simon advised students to take alerts seriously.
“Once students get an ISU emergency alert that there is either a tornado or destructive thunderstorm warning,” he said, “we would encourage them to go to whatever severe weather shelter is designated for their building.”
Emergency alerts are distributed through multiple channels, including email, social media and Canvas.
