Definitions
- Tornado Watch- issued by the National Weather Service when conditions are favorable for the development of tornadoes in and close to the Watch area.
- Tornado Warning- issued by the National Weather Service when a tornado has been spotted or is indicated on radar in the affected area.
- Severe Thunderstorm- issued by the National Weather Service and refers to a thunderstorm producing hail that is at least quarter size, 1 inch in diameter or larger, and/or wind gusts to 58 mph or greater.
Monitoring
- During severe weather watches or Tornado activity, the current conditions will be monitored by Security or assigned building staff and all Tenant Fire Wardens.
Notification
- Should the severe weather notification and/or Tornado Warning be activated by authorities, security or engineering will immediately make the following announcement via the buildings’ fire alarm, public address system, or other notification method:
- This message will be repeated two time.
- Once building staff, who is monitoring the weather, has determined that the storm has passed, they will authorize security or engineering to make the following All-Clear announcement:
MAY I HAVE YOUR ATTENTION PLEASE- THE SEVERE WEATHER HAS PASSED, YOU MAY NOW RETURN TO YOUR WORK STATION.
- This message will be repeated two times.
- Engineering will check the exterior of the property, grounds and parking areas for damage or injuries.
- Engineering will check the interior of the property for damage or injuries.
- Any damage or injuries should immediately be reported to the Property Manager office.
- If there is storm damage be aware of possible hazards from:
- Electrical sources- de-energize if possible or mark to alert others of danger. Notify Utility Company, if warranted.
- Broken glass and missing windows
- Debris (protruding nails, hanging tree branches, roofing materials)
b.Broken glass and missing windows
c.Debris (protruding nails, hanging tree branches, roofing materials)
IDENTIFYING SHELTER LOCATIONS:
- Stay away from doors, windows, and all exterior walls.
- Stay within the center core of the building floors near the stairwells.
- Evacuate to the lowest level of the building (basement/tunnel) area only if so directed.
NOTE: Even in the event of extremely high winds, employees and visitors should move to areas of the building offering the greatest protection such as an inner hallway or stairwell. Under no circumstances should anyone be allowed to remain near outer walls containing windows.