Spring is here – and that means it’s time to make sure you’re prepared deal with potential threats to your business from tornadoes and thunderstorms. The planning process should focus on keeping your employees safe, so make sure to explain it to them and do reviews at regular intervals.
Tornadoes
Although a brief warning period usually precedes a tornado, you probably won’t have time for measures to save the facility – which means employee survival must be your top priority. If there’s a tornado watch, have someone listen to the Weather Channel, NOAA Weather Radio, or a local radio station. In the event of a tornado alert, first post an observer; then have employees proceed to the lowest level of the building ( preferably underground), without taking the elevator, get under sturdy tables, stay away from windows, and cover their faces.
If you have employees working outside, develop special safety instructions for them. In case of a tornado watch, make sure that these workers stay informed; when the tornado is about to occur, have them get indoors and take shelter.
Thunderstorms and Lightning
In addition to spawning tornadoes, thunderstorms can cause flash floods, produce damaging hail, create strong winds – and discharge lightning.
Chances are that your business facilities are built, or can be designed, to withstand significant damage from thunderstorms, wind, rain, hail, and – to a lesser extent – lightning. When it comes to machinery, make sure all important electrical devices are connected to surge protectors, and have UPS (Uninterruptable Power Supply) units for critical equipment. In addition, power down and disconnect all electrical machinery before a severe thunderstorm strikes.
For guidelines on developing, and implementing a weather safety program for your business, please get in touch with us at any time.
