Did you know that the United States tornado season occurs between March and May? However, April and May are the high points for tornadoes in the infamous Tornado Alley region of the country. If you are not familiar with those states which are located in this notoriously disaster-prone area, it consists of Central Texas, Oklahoma, Central Kansas, Nebraska, and South Dakota.

Experts agree that the 2019 Tornado season will see 9% more activity than the previous year. Due to weather anomalies that have spiked this year, such as a late winter, El Nino and the Polar Vortex, the regular tornado predictions have been thrown off. According to analysts, ” A late winter, short spring and the Polar Vortex situated in its normal position (it was further south in 2018) also widens the scope of potential tornado risks.” With growing chances for a busy tornado season, Presco wants to make sure you and your employees have a solid emergency plan in place for your business.

Keep an eye on the sky

Be sure your employees know what to look for when certain conditions arise that point towards potential tornado formation:

  • Strong and constant winds
  • A cloud base that rotates
  • Swirling dust/debris on the ground beneath the cloud base
  • Heavy rain followed by a quiet calmness
  • Billowing roars that are unlike that of thunder
  • During the night, keep an eye out for lowered cloud bases, brightened by lightning flashes.

Be prepared

All employees should be able to execute the proper procedures outlined in your emergency plan, should the need arise.

  • Seek shelter
  • Interior rooms without windows and away from exterior walls
  • Avoid corners that can attract debris
  • DO NOT seek shelter in auditoriums, cafeterias or gymnasiums with flat, wide roofs.
  • DO find a shelter which is constructed from brick or concrete and does not have windows.
  • Make sure there is a system in place to ensure someone knows who is in the building in case of an emergency.
  • Make sure all available shelters are equipped with emergency supply kits.
  • Educate and train employees on your emergency plan so that they can implement it immediately.

After impact protocol

The aftermath of a tornado is a very dangerous situation, and individuals who choose to assist in clean up and recovery efforts should know to be aware of safety hazards surrounding them, such as:

  • Watch out for gas-leaks and electrical hazards
  • Fallen power lines
  • Be mindful of harmful debris and objects that could fall from above
  • Use proper safety protection equipment, such as hard hats, gloves, and boots.
  • Be on the lookout for barricade tapes labeled with “Caution” and “Danger” verbiage, as well as roll flagging and safety barrier fencing, which can alert you to hazardous conditions.

Although not all states are prone to tornados, it is a fact that they have occurred in all of the lower 48 and that is why being prepared is necessary, even when you least expect it.

If you are working in an area that could be impacted by tornados or other unpredictable weather conditions and you intend on exercising your Good Samaritan ways, make sure your site has plenty of Presco safety marking products to facilitate the repercussions.