Tornadoes pose a significant risk for businesses, communities, and infrastructure due to their unpredictable nature and destructive power. These violent storms can happen at any time and in any place, bringing intense winds up to 200 mph. Tornadoes can cause massive damage to buildings, vehicles, and critical infrastructure, causing additional complications like road closures and power outages that can further disrupt regional operations, supply chains, and recovery efforts.
Plan
A thorough, written plan should explain evacuation and shutdown procedures, medical duties, contact information, alternate communications center, location of critical records, and communication methods
Stay Alert
Don't be caught unaware. When tornado warnings are issued, adhere to the corresponding instructions. Learn the differences between Tornado Watch, Warning, and Emergency.
Data Back-Up
Your company's personnel, financial, and customer data is vital to your day-to-day operations. Don't risk losing it. Keep paper documents that you'll need in an emergency in one place so that they can be quickly and easily gathered. Create digital copies of documents and store them securely online. Copy your servers on a regular basis.
Property and Inventory Documentation
Keep a photo library of your facility and vehicles. Regularly inventory your supplies, products, office furntiure, electronics, etc. This information will help you assess loss, file insurance claims, or apply for recovery assistance.
Assess
Don't enter a damaged structure until it's deemed safe. Start with the structure of the building, then move onto equipment, inventory, and other areas of the business. Determining whether the space can be used while repairs are being made will either spped up or delay the process of reopening.
Generator Use
Practice caution when using generators. Never use them indoors or near an open windows, as carbon monoixide poisoning can result.
Building Clean-Up
A building assessed as structurally sound may still present hazards. Wear gear to protect against sharp objects, protruding nails, falling objects, and breathing hazards. Watch for downed power lines. Be mindful of potentially hazardous materials.
Tree Damage
Chainsaws and other tree removal equipment should only be used by trained personnel. They must avoid contact with power lines and wear gear to protect them from falling limbs, blades, saw dust, and other hazards. Passersby should be restricted from entering the tree removal area.
