Essential Tornado Safety Plans for Businesses in High-Risk Areas

Tornadoes, known for their severe winds and erratic paths, represent a serious threat to businesses, particularly in regions frequently affected by these storms. CNN highlights that the United States experiences over 1,150 tornadoes annually, making it the country with the highest number of tornadoes worldwide. 

The region most vulnerable to tornadoes, commonly known as “Tornado Alley,” encompasses states like Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, and Nebraska. For businesses located in these areas prone to high tornado risk, it is crucial to develop a thorough preparedness plan. This ensures both employee safety and operational continuity.

Here’s a comprehensive guide on what businesses should do to effectively manage tornado risks.

Develop a Tornado Emergency Plan

Begin by assessing the tornado risk specific to your location. Review historical data on tornado occurrences and understand the local tornado alert system. Develop a detailed tornado emergency plan that includes procedures for different scenarios, such as severe weather warnings and tornado watches.

• Outline clear procedures for employees to follow during a tornado. 
• Specify evacuation routes and designated safe areas within the building, such as interior rooms or basements. 
• Provide steps to take if a tornado strikes while employees are at work. 
• Ensure all employees are familiar with these procedures through regular drills and training.

Failing to implement and follow such a plan can lead to severe consequences, including legal action. For example, PBS News reported a 2022 case where the family of Austin McEwen filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Amazon. McEwen, a delivery driver, died when a tornado collapsed an Amazon facility in Edwardsville, Illinois.

The lawsuit alleges that the company failed to provide adequate warnings or safe shelter for employees. This negligence contributed to McEwen’s death and that of five others. 

This case highlights the critical importance of having a well-documented and practiced emergency plan to prevent similar tragedies and avoid potential lawsuits. 

Even though Edwardsville, Illinois, may not be at the core of Tornado Alley, companies must take tornado warnings seriously. Neglecting these warnings can result in devastating outcomes. 

If you or a family member suffers harm due to such negligence, seeking legal recourse may be necessary. An Edwardsville personal injury lawyer can help by investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident, gathering evidence of negligence, and representing your interests in court. 

TorHoerman Law notes that they will work to hold the responsible parties accountable for their failure to provide adequate warnings or safe shelter. The lawyer will seek compensation for damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other impacts of the negligence. The lawyer’s expertise ensures that your rights are protected and that you have the best chance of obtaining a fair resolution.

Establish Effective Communication Systems

Set up a system to receive real-time weather alerts and warnings from reliable sources such as the National Weather Service or local weather agencies. Consider investing in weather radios or smartphone apps that provide immediate notifications.

Internal Communication

Implement a reliable internal communication system to quickly disseminate emergency information to all employees. This could include mass notification systems, email alerts, or company-wide messaging apps.

External Communication

Inform clients, suppliers, and other stakeholders about potential disruptions caused by tornadoes. Maintaining transparent communication helps manage expectations and supports business relationships during emergencies.

Ensure Building Safety and Infrastructure

According to Statista, tornadoes caused approximately $708 million in damage across the United States in 2022. This amount represents a more than 200 percent increase from the previous year.

While you can’t completely prevent tornado damage, regularly inspecting and maintaining your building’s structural integrity can reduce some risks. Ensuring that your building is in good condition helps mitigate potential damage. 

Make sure that roofs, windows, and doors are reinforced to withstand high winds, and consider installing tornado-resistant features.

Safe Areas

Designate and mark tornado-safe areas within your facility to ensure employee safety during severe weather. The Weather Channel advises that basements are the safest location during a tornado. Therefore, it’s important to have a basement in your facility and ensure that routes to it are clearly marked.

If a basement is not available, identify the lowest floor and choose a small, central room without windows as an alternative safe area. Ensure these options are available and accessible within your facility to provide a secure refuge during a tornado.

Emergency Supplies

Equip your safe areas with essential emergency supplies such as first aid kits, flashlights, batteries, and non-perishable food. Ensure that these supplies are easily accessible and regularly updated.

Implement a Business Continuity Plan

Natural disasters can devastate businesses, with smaller companies being particularly vulnerable. In fact, InvenioIT reports that up to 60% of businesses never reopen after a major disaster. 

To safeguard your business, it’s essential to implement a comprehensive business continuity plan. This plan should outline strategies for maintaining operations, protecting critical assets, and ensuring rapid recovery in the face of disruptions. 

Key components include identifying essential functions and resources, establishing backup procedures, and developing communication protocols for emergencies. 

Consistently review and revise the plan to address emerging risks and integrate lessons learned from previous events. By having a robust business continuity plan in place, you can enhance your resilience and increase the likelihood of surviving despite unforeseen challenges.

Promote a Culture of Preparedness

Conduct regular training sessions and drills to ensure that employees are familiar with tornado emergency procedures. Training should cover what to do before, during, and after a tornado.

Mental Health Support

Recognize the potential psychological impact that tornadoes can have on employees. According to a study published by MDPI, individuals exposed to tornadoes often report experiencing PTSD or PTSD-related symptoms. 

This condition is frequently associated with other mental health issues, such as depression, substance abuse, and binge drinking. The study also indicates that women are more likely to report severe PTSD symptoms compared to men following such traumatic events. 

To support employees, it’s essential to provide access to resources and support services that can help manage stress and anxiety related to emergencies. Offering counseling services and mental health workshops can significantly help alleviate the psychological effects of crises. 

Additionally, creating an environment that encourages open discussions about mental well-being further supports employees in managing stress and anxiety.

FAQs

What are the most dangerous tornadoes in the US?

The most dangerous tornadoes in the US are typically classified as EF4 and EF5 on the Enhanced Fujita Scale. These tornadoes have wind speeds of 166-200 mph (EF4) and over 200 mph (EF5), causing extreme damage to buildings, infrastructure, and vegetation.

What are some historical examples of the most dangerous tornadoes in the US?

Notable examples include the Tri-State Tornado of 1925, the deadliest tornado in US history, which resulted in 695 fatalities. The Joplin, Missouri tornado of 2011 is another example, causing 155 fatalities and extensive damage to the city.

What should you include in a tornado emergency kit?

Your tornado emergency kit should include non-perishable food, water, a flashlight with spare batteries, a first aid kit, important documents, and medications. Also, remember to include a battery-operated weather radio. Tailor the kit to your family’s needs by adding items like baby essentials or pet food.

By following these strategies, businesses in tornado-prone areas can better prepare for and respond to tornadoes. This approach ensures the safety of employees and minimizes disruptions to business operations. Effective planning, communication, and continuous improvement are essential components of a successful tornado preparedness strategy.