Preparing for Weather Emergencies

1
Preparing for Weather Emergencies
2
Session Objectives
You will be able to Recognize the hazards of
weather emergencies and other natural
disasters Follow workplace emergency
procedures Develop a family emergency
plan Increase your chances of surviving
emergencies and minimizing property damage
3
Hazards of Weather Emergencies

• Collapsed walls and buildings
• Injured or trapped people
• Impassable bridges and roads
• Downed power and telecommunication lines
• Utilities out of order

4
Hazards of Weather Emergencies (cont.)

• Broken windows
• Water damage
• Outside items blown or washed away
• Extreme temperatures
• Lightning strikes
• Downed trees or tree limbs

5
Emergency Plan

• Evacuation routes and procedures
• Critical plant operations
• Accounting for evacuees
• Rescue and medical duties
• Procedures for reporting emergencies

6
Critical Instructions

• Leave promptly for home if conditions are safe
• Stay at work if conditions are dangerous
• Go to a secure designated shelter or refuge area
• Take steps to minimize damage

• Leave promptly for home if conditions are safe
• Stay at work if conditions are dangerous
• Go to a secure designated shelter or refuge area
• Take steps to minimize damage

7
Evacuation Procedures

• Recognize the evacuation signal and await
  instructions
• Shut down equipment, close windows and doors
• Go to nearest exit
• Proceed to the assembly area
• Participate in drills

8
Family Emergency Plan

• Develop and practice your plan
• Determine evacuation routes and assembly areas
• Determine safe rooms when evacuation is
  inappropriate

9
Family Emergency Plan (cont.)

• Know how to safely turn off utilities
• List family contact and emergency numbers
• Discuss community warning signals
• Provide first-aid and fire extinguisher training

10
Disaster Supply Kit

• Radio and flashlight
• Water, dry or canned food
• Blankets and clothes
• First-aid kit, medications, hygiene supplies
• Map, phone numbers, important information
• Cash
• Mirror and whistle
• Pocketknife

11
Hazards and PreparednessTrue or False?
OSHA requires us to have a workplace emergency
plan for weather emergencies. You should always
evacuate the building in a weather
emergency. After a total workplace evacuation,
you should go home. Your family emergency plan
should include evacuation routes from your
neighborhood.
12
Hazards and Preparedness

• Do you understand the information presented in
  the previous slides?

13
Earthquake Preparation

• Anchor machinery and equipment
• Brace suspended equipment
• Secure tall bookcases, shelves, racks
• Store heavy objects near the ground
• Secure breakable items
• Make sure materials are safely stored

• Anchor machinery and equipment
• Brace suspended equipment
• Secure tall bookcases, shelves, racks
• Store heavy objects near the ground
• Secure breakable items
• Make sure materials are safely stored

14
During an Earthquake

• Move away from windows and equipment
• Go under strong furniture or in door frame
• Evacuate once earthquake subsides
• If outside, move away from buildings, power
  lines, utility poles, and trees
• In a car, pull over in clear spot and stay in the
  car

• Move away from windows and equipment
• Go under strong furniture or in door frame
• Evacuate once earthquake subsides
• If outside, move away from buildings, power
  lines, utility poles, and trees
• In a car, pull over in clear spot and stay in the
  car

15
Tornado Preparation

• Inspect roof framing and metal siding
• Install permanent shutters or plywood covers
• Secure outside items
• Remove or trim nearby trees
• Reinforce garage doors and double doors

16
During a Tornado

• Get into a solid building
• Stay away from doors and windows
• Go to the center of the building
• Hide under furniture or in a closet or bathroom
• If outside, lie flat in a ditch and cover your
  head with your hands

17
Flood Preparation

• Protect electrical and HVAC equipment
• Anchor fuel and hazardous material storage tanks
• Install sewer backflow valves and sump pumps
• Move objects to higher floor and secure outdoor
  items
• Have sandbags and plastic sheeting on hand

• Protect electrical and HVAC equipment
• Anchor fuel and hazardous material storage tanks
• Install sewer backflow valves and sump pumps
• Move objects to higher floor and secure outdoor
  items
• Have sandbags and plastic sheeting on hand

18
During a Flood

• Evacuate the flood zone
• Move to higher ground away from rivers and
  streams
• Dont try to drive across flooded roads
• If trapped, go to a higher floor and wait for
  rescue

• Evacuate the flood zone
• Move to higher ground away from rivers and
  streams
• Dont try to drive across flooded roads
• If trapped, go to a higher floor and wait for
  rescue

19
Hurricanes

• Prepare for high winds and floodwaters
• Heed hurricane watches and warnings
• Evacuate if advised
• Go to the center of the building
• Be wary of the eye of the hurricane

20
Severe Thunderstorms

• Go inside a sturdy building or vehicle
• Stay away from windows, faucets, and electrical
  items
• If outside, crouch on the ground in a low place
  clear of trees, poles, water, or metal fences or
  pipes

21
Winter Storms

• Stay indoors
• Dress warmly if you must go out
• Drive with extreme caution
• If stuck, stay in your vehicle
• Watch for signs of hypothermia

22
Heat Waves

• Remember heatstroke can kill
• Go to air conditioned locations
• Avoid strenuous work
• Postpone outdoor games and activities
• Drink plenty of fluids
• Check on family, neighbors, and friends

23
Volcanic Eruptions

• Watch for mudflows, earthquakes, ash fall
• Follow community warning systems and disaster
  plans
• Evacuate if advised
• If advised to shelter in place, close windows,
  and bring in animals and vehicles
• If outside, seek shelter

24
Wildfire Preparation

• Trim trees and remove debris
• Plan water sources
• Plan evacuation routes

25
During a Wildfire

• Shut off gas and electricity, and close windows
  and doors
• Water surrounding vegetation
• If trapped outside, crouch in a pond or river, or
  move to an open area

26
Natural Disaster Response
Flood
Drink Fluids
Tornado
Go to a higher ground
Heat Wave
Stay away from electricity
Thunderstorm
Go to an inner room
27
Natural Disaster Response

• Do you understand about
• Weather emergencies and natural disasters?
• How to prepare for and survive these events?

28
Key Points to Remember

• Know the hazards of weather emergencies
• Understand our workplace emergency plan
• Develop a family emergency plan
• Put together a disaster supply kit
• Be prepared to survive any type of natural
  disaster