Tornadoes

Tornado Preparedness

The following supplies may be necessary to protect and sustain your employees in the event that you are temporarily stranded in the office building. It is recommended to keep the following on-hand:

• Food – stock your office with non-perishable and easy-to-store food products such as food bars.
• Water – keep at least a three-day supply of purified water. It is recommended that you stock two quarts of water per day, per employee.
• Emergency Lighting – flashlights, flares, light sticks.
• Batteries – keep a fresh supply.
• Medical – keep a well-stocked First Aid Kit. Choose kits designed to treat tornado-related injuries such as heavy bleeding, shock and broken bones.
• Blankets – lightweight fire and shock retardant emergency blankets.
• Radios – portable transistor radios with extra batteries and two-way radios.
• Fire Extinguisher
• Medications – persons on medication should keep a 72-hour supply in their desk.

Additional Supplies to Consider

• Heavy work gloves
• Hard Hats & Goggles
• Work shoes
• Dust masks
• Sleeping bags & Cots
• Eating utensils
• Instant ice pack
• Pre-moistened towelettes

There are two designations placed on a Tornado: a WATCH and a WARNING. A Tornado WATCH indicates weather conditions are right for a tornado. A Tornado WARNING indicates that a tornado has been sighted in the immediate area.

In the Event of a Tornado Watch

1. Whoever is made aware of the threatening weather should notify the office manager, designated Floor Warden and the Management Office (303-571-5000).
2. Floor Warden or office managers should alert all staff of the watch.
3. Once you have been notified of the watch, please do the following: Immediately close the blinds in your office.

• Once this is accomplished, stay away from the windows. Remain at your normal work station.
• Tune in any battery operated radios to a station with weather updates.
• If possible, you should remain in the building until the weather has cleared.

In the Event of a Tornado Warning

1. Move towards the center of the building and close the doors behind you.
2. Floor Wardens and other emergency personnel will direct you towards corridors, stairwells and elevator lobbies.
3. Do not exit these designated areas or use elevators.
4. Protect yourself by placing your head close to your knees and covering your neck with your hands.
5. If you cannot reach a corridor or lobby in time, the next safest place is under a desk, table or chair.
6. Remain in the designated area until an announcement has been made by designated emergency personnel management that it is safe to return to your work station.
7. Once everyone has returned to their workstation, emergency personnel should assist Building Management in accounting for all employees.
8. If anyone has been injured, designated emergency personnel should assist where possible and follow the Medical Emergency Procedures.
9. If any portion of your offices or surrounding building areas have been damaged, please notify Building Management immediately.