Tornado Safety Tips for Indianapolis Businesses

5/28/2019 (Permalink)

Tornado Safety Tips for Indianapolis Businesses

With the recent tornadoes that have struck central Indiana, the importance of knowing what to do in the event of a tornado at work has become a harsh reality for some. Tornadoes can pop up out of nowhere and quickly do a lot of damage to homes and businesses. In this blog post, we will focus on what to do if a tornado is barrelling toward your workplace. While somewhat similar to tornado safety tips for homes, there are some distinct differences when trying to stay safe from a tornado in many businesses.

More Windows. More Flying Glass.

Many of today’s modern offices are covered in glass windows. While floor to ceiling glass windows provide great views from your office, they’re also a huge risk to your life if a tornado should hit your building. Due to the plentitude of glass windows in most offices, it’s important to have an emergency plan of where to seek cover is there is a tornado warning in your area. Safe areas to seek cover may include fire escape stairwells, internal offices, lower level floors, closets, and/or basements. It’s important to read your office’s emergency plan and know exactly where to go to seek cover.

Stay Alert. Listen to Warnings and Watches.

You can listen to the severe weather reports on your computer, your smartphone, your radio, or a television. While all of these may work, it’s always best to have a backup weather radio with batteries. The reason is that the cable could go out, the power could go out, and/or cell coverage could drop during severe storms and tornadoes. It’s also important to know the difference between a warning and a watch. A tornado watch means that a tornado is possible and to stay alert and tuned in to weather updates. A tornado warning means that a tornado has been spotted in person or by radar. If the tornado warning is near your office, you and your coworkers need to seek shelter immediately.

Plan Ahead If Disaster Strikes.

Not only is it a good idea to have a battery-powered weather radio, but it’s also a good idea to store other items in a preparedness kit. Items should include flashlights if the power should go out, first aid kit in case anyone is injured from flying debris, and finally, water and some snack bars or food in the event that you may be trapped or isolated for a while. If you work in a large business where there are several areas to seek shelter, you want to make sure each area has the preparedness kits.

After the Tornado Hits.

Traversing your workplace after a tornado hits can be the most dangerous time if you aren’t aware of your surroundings. If a tornado strikes your workplace, a lot of damage can occur and a lot of dangers can appear from that damage. The first step is to not leave the shelter until you can confirm that the tornado and damaging winds have passed. Sometimes it is just better to wait in place until fire and rescue have arrived. If you do leave the shelter, do not walk through any flooded areas as you could be electrocuted from damaged electrical lines and equipment. Be careful about stepping on broken glass and debris. Broken glass and debris with nails could easily puncture many office shoes. If you smell gas from a broken gas line, it’s important to quickly and safely evacuate the vicinity.

Account for Every Employee and Visitor

Once everyone has been given the all clear and can leave the safety of the shelters, it’s important to have a checklist of all employees and guests that were in the building prior to the tornado occurring. A designated person or persons should ensure that everyone is accounted for and safe. If someone is missing, you need to inform the fire and rescue teams of missing coworkers and guests. It’s also a good idea to inform your work staff to not leave the area until they have been accounted for.

If Your Business Should Suffer Tornado or Storm Damage, Contact the Professionals

Tornadoes can cause minor to extreme damage to businesses Some tornadoes can tear off roofs while others can knock down walls and even buildings. That is why it is so important to be prepared with the right emergency plans, the right tools, and the right steps for you and your work staff to follow. If a tornado or storm should hit your business, call the commercial storm restoration professionals at SERVPRO of Indianapolis West. They have the tools and the know-how to clean up any size disaster and help you get back to business quickly. Whether it’s the middle of the night or the weekend or anytime in between, contact SERVPRO of Indianapolis West for your Indianapolis commercial storm clean up and disaster recovery.