Severe Weather Response

Spring and summer are good times to review emergency response procedures for tornadoes and severe weather.

General Response and Shelter

Everyone must be familiar with the severe weather warning signal and where the nearest shelter is located. It’s very important to know how to respond before an event to reduce time delays that can be critical. Move to the nearest shelter immediately when you hear the warning signal and stay in the shelter until cleared to leave. Participate when attendance is taken so that everyone is accounted for.

Key Facts

• The most frequent tornado occurrences are during the spring and summer months.
• An average of 800 tornadoes are reported nationwide each year.
• About 80 deaths and more than 1,500 injuries occur each year.
• Tornadoes are capable of tremendous destruction with wind speeds of 250 mph or more.
• They can be more than a mile wide and 50 miles long.
• Thunderstorms can occur year-round in any part of the country, often accompanied by lightning strikes.
• The best protection against severe weather is to check the weather forecast and stay aware of changing conditions. Cancelling plans or changing trips or activities is the best decision if the weather forecast calls for tornado conditions or other severe weather.

Tornadoes

Remember, a tornado warning and siren means that a funnel cloud has been spotted in your area. Don’t wait. Move immediately to protect yourself in a shelter until the all clear is given.

If you are away from work, or don’t know where to shelter then follow these basic precautions:

Key Practices

• Move away from exterior walls and windows.
• Get under a piece of sturdy furniture such as a cubicle work surface or heavy table or desk and hold on to it.
• Use your arms to protect your head and neck.
• In a home or building, move to a predesignated shelter like a basement.
• If an underground shelter is not available, move to an interior room or hallway on the lowest floor and get under a sturdy piece of furniture.