Be Prepared for Tornado Emergencies, A Retailer's Guide to Protecting Lives, Environment, and Property

The United States sees an average of 1,000 recorded tornadoes each year, with an average of 80 deaths and 1,500 injuries annually. While damaging tornadoes are most common in the spring and summer as weather patterns change, tornadoes can occur all across the United States throughout the year. Mother Nature is not bound by the calendar or geographical location when it comes to tornadoes.

Midwest weather can change quickly - from a light rain shower, to a bad storm with heavy rains and high winds, to a more dangerous situation in a matter of minutes. A tornado can appear from out of nowhere, cut across the landscape, and then disappear back into the sky just as quickly. These very dynamic and unpredictable weather events do not give people much time to prepare. Your quick and decisive actions after authorities issue tornado watches and warnings are key in keeping employees out of harm's way.

You should develop the majority of your facility's planning and response procedures well in advance, when the sun is shining, not when the dark clouds are rolling in and the tornado sirens are blaring all around you. More importantly, take time each year to train your employees (and yourself) about what should be done in the event of a tornado.

At a minimum, be able to answer these questions before disaster strikes:

• What will you do if your buildings or warehouses get hit?

• How will you contact employees away from the plant?

• Should you shelter at the facility or send everyone home?

• Who has assigned responsibilities when a tornado warning is issued?

• Where are the emergency response plans located?