Twister. Funnel cloud. Tornado. Regardless of what you call it, a tornado is something you want to make sure your business – and your employees – are well prepared for. Unlike hurricanes, tornadoes aren’t limited to coastal regions of the country and, unfortunately, often occur with little or no warning. That, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, makes tornado preparedness and response all-the-more critical.
Step 1: Tornado Preparedness. How can you prepare your business for something that can strike at any time? By creating and implementing a plan that includes everything from identifying safe places for taking cover to training your people on where to go and what to do. As part of your plan, identify an underground area, such as a basement or storm cellar, for the best protection from a tornado’s deadly force. If an underground shelter is unavailable:
- Seek a small interior room or hallway on the lowest floor possible
- If there isn’t time to get to the lowest floor, go into a hallway, since hallways are structurally the most reinforced part of a building
- Stay away from doors, windows, and outside walls
- If at all possible, plan to gather in a room constructed with reinforced concrete, brick or block with no windows and a heavy concrete floor or roof system overhead
- Stay in the center of the room, and avoid corners because they attract debris
- Avoid auditoriums, cafeterias and gymnasiums that have flat, wide-span roofs
Step 2: Tornado Response. In the wake of a tornado, it’s important that you and your people know what to do – and not do – to help safeguard their lives and those of their colleagues.
- Stay tuned to your local radio and television stations or Internet feeds for emergency information and the potential of additional storms
- Protect yourself by wearing proper clothing when walking on or near debris, including boots and gloves
- Use extra caution around sharp objects, including nails and broken glass
- Be on the lookout for possible structural, electrical, or gas-leak hazards
- Never touch downed power lines or objects in contact with downed power lines
- If you see hazards like these, report them to the proper local authority and/or utility provider
- Don’t forget to take steps to prevent heat illnesses and dehydration
Know When to Take Notice…and When to Take Cover. People often misunderstand the difference between a tornado watch and a tornado warning – and the difference is critical.
- A tornado watch means that conditions are favorable for the formation of a tornado
- Be on the lookout (in other words, watch out for what the weather could do)
- A tornado warning means dangerous weather is threatening
- Be ready to take cover immediately
Time counts. So does planning. The adage “forewarned is forearmed” applies. By taking the steps necessary right now to protect your business, you’ll be that much better prepared should a tornado ever strike.
