Severe Weather Preparedness: Storm Safety Procedures
Overview
Severe weather preparedness involves understanding storm warning systems, recognizing dangerous weather conditions, and implementing protective actions for tornadoes, severe thunderstorms, and other weather-related workplace hazards.
Why This Is Important
Severe weather events can occur with little warning, creating dangerous conditions including high winds, lightning, hail, and tornadoes. Proper preparation and response procedures protect workers from weather-related injuries and fatalities.
Weather-related workplace incidents often result from inadequate preparation or failure to take shelter when warnings are issued.
Weather Response Process
Weather Watch
Conditions are favorable for severe weather development. Stay alert and monitor weather updates continuously.
Take Shelter
Move to designated safe areas away from windows, doors, and large roof spans when warnings are issued.
Weather Warning
Severe weather is occurring or imminent. Take protective actions immediately and seek shelter.
All Clear
Resume normal operations only after receiving official all-clear from management or authorities.
Preparedness Strategies
Weather Monitoring
- Monitor weather alerts using weather radios, apps, or alert systems to stay informed of changing conditions
- Understand warning systems including the difference between watches and warnings
- Establish communication procedures for weather updates and emergency notifications
- Designate weather watchers to monitor conditions during outdoor work
Shelter Procedures
- Know shelter locations - identify safe areas in your building including interior rooms on lower floors away from large windows
- Practice shelter drills regularly so everyone knows where to go and what to do
- Avoid elevators during severe weather events
- Stay in shelter until official all-clear is given
Work Activity Management
- Avoid outdoor work when lightning is within 6 miles or winds exceed safe working limits
- Secure equipment by anchoring or storing loose materials that could become projectiles in high winds
- Stop crane operations and other height work when wind speeds reach dangerous levels
- Postpone activities that cannot be safely interrupted if weather deteriorates
Lightning Safety
- 30-30 Rule: Seek shelter when thunder follows lightning by 30 seconds or less; wait 30 minutes after last thunder before resuming outdoor work
- Avoid high objects including trees, poles, and elevated equipment
- Stay away from metal objects and electrical equipment during storms
- Don’t use corded phones or electrical equipment during lightning storms
Emergency Procedures
Tornado Response
- Move to lowest floor and interior rooms away from windows
- Avoid large roof spans like warehouses, cafeterias, and gymnasiums
- Get under sturdy furniture if possible and protect head and neck
- Stay away from vehicles and mobile structures
Severe Thunderstorm Response
- Seek substantial shelter in permanent buildings
- Avoid windows and glass doors that could shatter from hail or wind
- Stay indoors until storms pass completely
- Report damage to supervisors before resuming work
Discussion Questions
- Regional Risks: What severe weather risks are common in our geographic area?
- Shelter Knowledge: Where would you take shelter if a tornado warning was issued right now?
- Alert Systems: How do you currently receive weather alerts during work hours?
- Work Restrictions: What outdoor work activities should stop when severe weather approaches?
- Preparation Improvements: How can we better prepare our work area for severe weather events?
Remember: Severe weather preparedness saves lives through early warning recognition and appropriate protective actions. By staying weather-aware, knowing shelter locations, and responding quickly to warnings, we can protect ourselves and coworkers from dangerous weather conditions.