Tornado Preparedness
The following SUPPLIES will be necessary to protect and sustain your employees in the event that a tornado leaves you temporarily stranded in the office building:
- Food - stock your office with non-perishable and easy-to-store food products such as dehydrated foods and food bars.
- Water - keep at least a three-day supply of purified water. It is recommended that you stock two quarts of water per day, per employee.
- Emergency Lighting - flashlights / light sticks
- Batteries - keep a fresh supply
- Medical - keep a well-stocked First Aid Kit. Choose kits designed to treat injuries such as heavy bleeding, shock and broken bones.
- Blankets - lightweight fire and shock retardant emergency blankets.
- Radios - portable transistor radios with extra batteries and two-way radios.
- Fire Extinguisher
- Medications - persons on medication should keep a 72-hour supply in their desk.
- Additional Supplies to Consider:
- Heavy work gloves
- Hard Hats & Goggles
- Work shoes
- Dust masks
- Water purification tablets
- Sleeping bags & Cots
- Eating utensils
- Instant ice pack
- Pre-moistened towelettes
There are two designations placed on a Tornado: a WATCH and a WARNING:
A Tornado WATCH indicates weather conditions are right for a tornado. A Tornado WARNING indicates that a tornado has been sighted in the immediate area.
IN THE EVENT OF A TORNADO WATCH
- Whoever is made aware of the threatening weather should notify the office manager, designated Floor Warden and the Property Management Office.
- Floor Warden or office managers should alert all staff of the watch.
- Once you have been notified of the watch, please do the following:
- Immediately close the blinds in your office
- Once this is accomplished, stay away from the windows
- Remain at your normal work station
- Tune in any battery operated radios to a station with weather updates
- If possible, you should remain in the building until the weather has cleared
IN THE EVENT OF A TORNADO WARNING
Move away from the perimeter of the building (windowed areas) toward the center of the building and close the doors behind you.
- Floor Wardens and other emergency personnel will direct you towards corridors, stairwells and elevator lobbies.
- Do not exit these designated areas or use elevators.
- Protect yourself by placing your head close to your knees and covering your neck with your hands.
- If you cannot reach a corridor or lobby in time, the next safest place is under a desk, table or chair.
- Remain in the designated area until an announcement has been made by designated emergency personnel or Property Management that it is safe to return to your work station.
- Once everyone has returned to their workstation, emergency personnel should assist Property Management in accounting for all employees.
- If anyone has been injured, designated emergency personnel should assist where possible and follow the Medical Emergency Procedures outlined in this Manual.
- If any portion of your offices or surrounding building areas have been damaged, please notify Property Management immediately.
