Tornado Preparedness In The Workplace

2/23/2022 (Permalink)

Dark sky with grey clouds and a tornado touched down kicking up debris and dirt in a large green field with the SERVPRO logo over the center of the ph

Tornado Preparedness In The Workplace

Tornadoes can wreak havoc in a matter of minutes. 

That’s how sudden and dangerous they can be. 

Hence, if you’re an employer, you should develop an emergency action plan in your workplace to ensure staff safety. Don't know where to start? 

Here's what you can do: 

Beware Of Key Signs 

A storm can indeed appear out of the blue, but several signs can provide you clues about an upcoming tornado strike. Here are some signs to look after: 

? Funnel cloud 

? Dark greyish cloudy weather 

? Continuous roaring noise 

? Wall clouds 

These signs can signal you about a tornado formation, providing you with ample time to implement effective safety measures in place. 

Develop A Holistic Plan 

A pre-prepared plan is necessary to deal with any emergency. 

In fact, OSHA even requires employers to have a written emergency plan. 

Here are some measures you can take in your organization: 

? Ensure communication, such as emails, text messaging, or call to alert employees about any emergency ? Actively check the local news weather station and application to watch out for tornado watches or alerts (A tornado watch means that a storm may develop, while an alert means that a storm is detected.) ? Safeguard all your important documents such as employee information, tax returns, and HR files by scanning and uploading them electronically 

? Create identification modes to keep track of all the employees during the tornado 

? Build a tornado committee and assign specific duties to employees during tornadoes, such as power restoration, system check, and cleaning up 

Build A Safe Emergency Room 

During an active tornado, employees must relocate to a safe room on the lowest and most middle part of the facility. Basements and underground shelters best fulfill this purpose of emergency rooms. 

If there's no such place in the workplace, employees can do the following: 

? Find a windowless room at the lowest point of the building 

? Move away from the doors, windows, and outdoor walls 

? Find a small interior room with strong reinforced walls 

Invest In An Emergency Supply Kit

What if the tornado doesn't stop and employees remain stuck at their workplace for a while? 

Well, that is a possibility you need to prepare for by keeping an inventory of essential emergency kits. Some essential things to have in store include: 

? Non-perishable food for three days 

? One gallon of water per person 

? Flashlights 

? Battery-operated radio 

? Cellphones 

? First Aid kit 

Takeaway 

Although a deadly tornado can strike anytime, you can implement the essential tips listed above to prevent catastrophic damages and remain prepared. 

Wondering how to set up precautions to prevent damages or what to do after a tornado wreaks havoc? Leave all of that to SERVPRO – experts in storm protection and restoration measures for commercial buildings. Reach out to us today!

Give us a call for your quote today at 256-259-4333 From Mentone to Bridgeport, Collinsville to Woodville, Ider to Geraldine, or Fort Payne to Scottsboro, we are proud to operate in your neighborhood. We proudly boast "Best in County" for years 2017 and 2018!