Safety Tip: Tornado Preparedness

Spring and Summer mark tornado season for most Midwest and Southern states. This extreme weather event happens quickly and can have devastating effects - particularly if you are not prepared with an Emergency Action Plan. Controlling your reaction in a dangerous moment is not easy, but training for and thinking about the situation can help important reflexes and instincts kick in at the right time. An effective Emergency Action Plan can help you respond appropriately to the following questions:

When could this happen to us?

Ensure your team understands the warning signs of a tornado and how to monitor tornado alerts. A Tornado Watch means get prepared to act quickly, while a Tornado Warning means to seek shelter immediately.

What if this happens to us?

Select a safe area to take shelter. For tornadoes, this means a basement or low floor, away from doors, windows, outside walls, or corners. Small rooms or hallways with concrete, brick, or block walls with no windows and a heavy concrete floor are ideal. Avoid rooms with flat, wide-span roofs, like a gymnasium or cafeteria.

Are we prepared and properly trained for this event?

A key element of responding to a tornado emergency is making sure your team is accounted for. Establish an internal alert system, assign duties in advance, create a system to know who is in the workplace, and account for personnel as they enter the shelter.

Preparedness also includes equipment. Keep emergency supplies and disaster kits in your shelter area(s) so they are ready to go when you need them.

Does our company have established safety protocols in place?

Your Emergency Action Plan should be written and reviewed with your team regularly to ensure a smooth and calm response should a tornado happen. It can also reveal any procedural challenges or out-of-date equipment, allowing you to address problems in advance.

If your workplace has hazardous materials or dangerous equipment, you may also want to consult with safety professionals to create a plan specific to your environment.

Source:

OSHA Tornado Preparedness and Response
Rolly Walker, Safety Manager at Arnco Safety - rwalker@arncosafety.com