DELETE THIS BOX
AND
INSERT YOUR LOGO HERE
SAFETY TALK
HURRICANES AND TORNADOES
There are two types of storms that are more common over the next few months than at any other time of the year;
hurricanes and tornadoes. While these natural disasters can cause extensive, wide-spread destruction, advanced
planning can help to keep you safe.
A hurricane is a storm system having circulating air with sustained wind speeds of at least 74 mph. Hurricanes are more
common along the Atlantic Coast, the Gulf of Mexico as well as parts of the Southwestern US. The best way to plan for a
hurricane is to understand the terminology and the categories involved with hurricanes. There are two main warning terms
used to alert you to an approaching hurricane:
 Hurricane/Tropical Storm Watch is issued when a hurricane or tropical storm is possible in an area.
 Hurricane/Tropical Storm Warning means that this type of storm is expected to reach an area, usually within 24
hours.
Hurricanes, as well as tropical storms, are categorized by wind speed; typically faster winds will cause more damage.
 Category 1 has sustained winds of 74- 95 mph and result in minimal damage impacting unanchored mobile
homes, vegetation and signs.
 Category 2 storms have sustained winds of 96- 110 mph which result in damage to all mobile homes, roofs, small
watercrafts with some flooding.
 Category 3 storms have winds of 111- 130 mph and will cause extensive damage to small buildings, cutting off
low-lying roads.
 Category 4 are storms with sustained winds of 133- 155 mph causing roofs to be destroyed, trees to be uprooted
and mobile homes to be destroyed.
 Category 5 storms have sustained winds of more than 155 mph with catastrophic damage. Most buildings and
vegetation are destroyed, major roads are cut off and homes are flooded.
Because hurricanes can involve very large areas and are somewhat slow moving, the best emergency plan is to evacuate.
The order to evacuate will come from your local municipality and will include the best evacuation route. If the evacuation
order comes while you’re at work, you will be instructed on
 The chain of command
 Emergency functions and who is assigned to perform them
 Evacuation procedures, including routes and exits
 Accounting procedures for personnel, vendors and visitors
 Equipment, including Disaster Supply Kits
Tornadoes differ from hurricanes in two ways; first they are quick moving, occurring with little or no warning and second
they affect a relatively small area. Since they occur with so little warning, evacuation is usually not an option. Our plan
involves identifying places to take shelter where you are. Ideally, the safest shelter locations are underground areas, like
basements or storm cellars. Unfortunately these may not be available to you when a tornado is approaching. In this case
you’ll want to:
 Find a small, interior room or even a hallway on the lowest level of the structure.
 Avoid doors, windows and outside walls because these are more prone to be blown away by the wind of a tornado.
 Stay close to the center of the room as debris is attracted to the corners.
 Look for rooms built from reinforced concrete, brick or block with no windows and heavy concrete floor or roof
system overhear.
 Avoid areas with flat, wide roofs like auditoriums, gyms and cafeterias because they can collect water and debris
and may collapse under the weight.
You may find yourself outside when a tornado approaches. In this situation you should try to find shelter in a building
within easy walking distance. If this isn’t a possibility but you’re in a vehicle, ensure your seat belt is on and drive to the
DELETE THIS BOX
AND
INSERT YOUR LOGO HERE
SAFETY TALK
HURRICANES AND TORNADOES
nearest building. If you encounter flying debris while you’re driving, pull over to the side of the road. At this point you have
two options:
 Remain in the vehicle, keeping your seat belt on, keep your head below the window and cover it with your hands or
a blanket or jacket.
 If you see a low-lying area, go to it and lie in it covering your head with your hands. Be aware that this type of area
will fill with water first.
You may be assigned a specific task related to the tornado, this will typically occur before the storm is approaching. These
tasks may include getting the emergency supply kits to the shelter area or keeping track of coworkers, visitors or vendors
as they arrive in the shelter. This can be done through head count or by using a roster that had previously been prepared.
You will remain in the shelter until instructed that it is safe to leave.
The plan for both storms involves the use of an emergency survival kit. While the contents may vary according to jobsite
characteristics and company preferences, FEMA recommends that the basic kit include:
 Water, one gallon per person per day for at least three days for drinking and sanitation
 Food, at least a three day supply of non-perishable food
 Battery powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries
 Flashlight with extra batteries
 First aid kit
 Whistle to signal for help
 Dust mask, to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place
 Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
 Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
 If the kit contains canned food, a can opener
 Local maps
Other items that may be helpful to be in the kit include matches in a waterproof container, fire extinguisher, mess kits or
paper cups, plates and plastic utensils and paper and pen or pencil.
In the case of either type storm, the best defense is to plan ahead and practice the plan before a disaster strikes so
everyone is familiar with their role. A good plan and prior practice can go a long way to keeping you safe during this type
of natural disaster.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
How do hurricanes and tornadoes differ?
What is the best way to keep safe during a hurricane, a tornado?
DELETE THIS BOX
AND
INSERT YOUR LOGO HERE
MEETING / TRAINING
ATTENDANCE ROSTER
COMPANY: _______________________________________
_____
SAFETY MEETING
JOB/DEPT: ________________________________________
_____
SAFETY TRAINING
DATE:
____/____/_______
TIME: _________
TOPICS ADDRESSED: ______________________________________________________________________________________
EMPLOYEE'S SIGNATURES:
______________________________
______________________________
______________________________
______________________________
______________________________
______________________________
______________________________
______________________________
______________________________
______________________________
______________________________
______________________________
______________________________
______________________________
______________________________
______________________________
______________________________
______________________________
______________________________
______________________________
______________________________
EMPLOYEE SUGGESTIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS: ______________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
ACTION TAKEN:
__________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________
Supervisor's Signature
_______________________________________________
Safety Coordinator's Signature
_____/_____/_____
Date
_____/_____/_____
Date