Things You Need to Consider Before Installing a Tornado Shelter
As Benjamin Franklin famously said, "If you don't plan ahead, you're planning to fail." Having a poor plan or no plan at all can have disastrous consequences in our field. This is true for both workplace accidents and severe weather events such as tornadoes.
With proper planning, you can reduce the risk of damage to your business as well as injuries to your employees. To begin, a plan must be developed to deal with storm or tornadoes, which includes details on how to construct and equip a tornado shelters, gather necessary supplies, and educate employees.
What to Consider Before You Buy a Tornado Shelter?
Find out if there is a tornado risk in your area or in the area you're visiting. There is a risk of tornadoes occurring anywhere, but it varies depending on where you live and what time of year it is.
Find out if your community has a warning system. Clarify when it's tested and used, and what it sounds like, if it does.
Establish emergency alerts that can help you prepare for upcoming weather concerns. Your cell phone will receive Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) from the National Weather Service, but your mobile apps and local weather station may offer additional ways to set up notifications.
Establish an emergency shelter area in your facility. Your facility's emergency evacuation maps should include the location of these areas. Storm shelters built according to FEMA safe room criteria or the International Code Council 500-2014 storm shelter standards offer the best protection from tornadoes.
This includes flashlights, emergency lighting, fire extinguishers (if applicable), batteries, NOAA Radios,basic supplies of first aid, radios with batteries that charge continuously and other items that are appropriate for the location.
A tornado warning or alarm system should be installed on site. You should also set up a standby system of communication in case the original one fails.
Re-evaluate your facility's emergency action plan to make sure it encounters harsh weather events. In your Emergency Action Plan, specify who is responsible for verifying all areas of the facility, notifying employees, seeking shelter, and obtaining a headcount.
Educate and train your employees to understand the signs of tornadoes, try encountering the difference between warning and tornado watches, and be familiar with particular emergency protocols in the event a tornado approaches your plant or facility.
Regularly practicethe procedures of handling emergency by participating in tornado drills that are scheduled in advance.
Now, you need to choose a credible company who can build your tornado shelter. Contact us at EF5 Tornado Shelters in Oklahoma. Our team will install a tornado shelter/safe room flawlessly.