Tornadoes can occur with little or no warning. To help employees stay safe if a tornado occurs in your area, take precautions in advance and provide information about hazards in a tornado’s aftermath.
Understand the differences in the tornado warning system:
Your local emergency management office can provide further information.
To prepare for a tornado, develop an emergency plan with details on suitable places to take shelter, policies to account for all employees, and procedures for addressing on-site hazardous materials. Practice this plan and review it annually.
The following are recommended steps to help ensure the safety of employees if a tornado occurs:
An underground area, such as a basement or storm cellar, provides the best protection from a tornado. If an underground shelter is unavailable, consider the following:
Employees should know what to do if outdoors when a tornado threatens. Seek shelter in a basement or a sturdy building. If one is not within walking distance, try to drive in a vehicle, using a seat belt, to the nearest shelter. If flying debris is encountered while in a vehicle, there are two options:
Post-tornado, take steps to recover. Your employees may face significant hazards, including the potential for additional storms, downed electric lines, and sharp debris. Employees should also be aware of hazards from heat stress and equipment used during response/recovery operations, such as portable generators, and take special precautions to address them.
Education and training are key. Consider the following the keep your employees safe:
If you have any questions or would like additional information, please contact your local PMA Risk Control Consultant or reach out to us at heretohelp@pmagroup.com.
IMPORTANT NOTICE
The information and suggestions presented by PMA Companies in this risk control technical bulletin are for your consideration in your loss prevention efforts. They are not intended to be complete or definitive in identifying all hazards associated with your business, preventing workplace accidents, or complying with any safety related or other laws or regulations. You are encouraged to alter the information and suggestions to fit the specific hazards of your business and to have your legal counsel review all of your plans and company policies. PMA Companies and Old Republic Companies do not provide legal advice and the information and suggestions in this bulletin should not be considered as such.