Tornado Safety in Offices

When a tornado strikes, your office should be prepared to take cover quickly. Having an emergency plan in place, designating a shelter and educating all employees on what to do can help prevent injury during a tornado.

Shelter Plan

• Every office building should have a tornado emergency plan that includes the location of a designated shelter, where emergency supplies are kept and the procedures for taking shelter. All employees should review this plan before the start of tornado season.

Emergency Supplies

• Flashlights, weather radios, batteries and first aid kits should be assembled into kits and placed in designated locations that all employees are aware of, preferably in a place that is resistant to water.

Taking Shelter

• The plan should designate an area for taking shelter in an interior room or hallway on the lowest level. It should be an area with no glass and not a wide open space. The shelter should be clearly marked with a sign that is easily seen. There should also be signs located at strategic points to direct people to the shelter's location.

Elevators

• Do not use the elevators during a tornado warning. If the power goes out, you could be stuck. Interior stairways are the best routes to safety, and can also serve as a shelter if needed.

Positioning Yourself

• When you and your co-workers take cover, kneel down and put your head between your knees. Wrap your arms around your head, as this will give more protection from flying debris and keep you lower to the floor.