There have been 391 confirmed tornadoes in the US for 2023. It’s safe to say we are off to a windy start of the year. Tornado safety is essential in this regard, as every employer must be able to provide all of the necessary training, equipment, and planning that is needed for their employees to be safe.
Here are a few steps to help you keep your company safe during a tornado.
Plan ahead
The first thing you need to figure out is to identify the best place for a shelter. Underground areas like basements or storm cellars are ideal locations, as these areas are usually reinforced and away from any possible debris that could cause harm. If an underground shelter is unavailable, look for areas away from doors, windows, outside walls, and areas with wide-span roofs. Individuals caught in a tornado while driving are advised to head to the nearest shelter.
Get the right equipment
Tornado safety relies on having the right equipment. Create a disaster supply kit containing all the necessary items that an individual would need to survive for three days while waiting to be rescued. This includes food, water, first aid kits, flashlights, and other necessary supplies. These kits may be placed inside the shelter in advance. Ensure that any food items are stored properly and that you have adequate water and food for all your employees.
Updated training and exercises
Ensure that all of the employees have sufficient training in how to respond in case of an emergency. Training all employees to practice shelter-in-place plans is a great way to start the dialogue about tornado safety. Include in the training the need to account for all individuals present in the workplace while inside the shelters.
These are just some ways to ensure that your employees are safe in times of emergency. For more information on how to keep your employees safe, visit our website today.