7.03.03 Corporate – Severe Weather and Emergency Response

Tornadoes

There are two types of tornado alert conditions:

• Tornado Watch:  Conditions are right for strong thunderstorms, hail, high winds, and tornadoes.  Be prepared to take shelter and keep informed of the latest storm conditions.
• Tornado Warning:  A tornado warning is issued when a funnel cloud or tornado has been sighted. In Franklin County, sirens will sound when a tornado warning is issued.  The siren is a steady 3-minute loud wailing tone, followed by a voice message in all directions for 2 minutes. The cycle is repeated until the warning is over. TAKE COVER IMMEDIATELY.

If the condition is a Tornado Watch:

1. During regular office hours, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, the receptionist will alert all staff. In the evening or on weekends, the staff member carrying the scheduling phone will alert all staff.
2. Keep radios and televisions on and watch for broadcasts by the National Weather Service regarding tornado watches, warnings, and “All Clear” announcements.
3. Staff should ensure that individuals gather in the apartment or be aware of their whereabouts on Park West grounds. Some individuals can leave the grounds if they are accompanied by a responsible person, i.e., a special friend, volunteer, or when going to work.
4. Windows should be shut, and sills should be free of items.
5. Staff shall apply good judgment and common sense when allowing any individuals outside during the watch. Do not agitate any individual(s) who refuse to come into the apartment.
6. When an “All Clear” weather broadcast is issued, the receptionist or the nurse on duty will call all staff and individuals to return to normal operation.

If the condition is a Tornado Warning:

1. During regular office hours, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, the receptionist will notify all staff. In the evening or on weekends, the staff member carrying the Nursing Phone will alert all staff of the condition.
   NOTE: Tornado Warning Sirens are sounded in Franklin County to alert the community of a Tornado Warning. The siren will emit a steady 3-minute loud, wailing tone, followed by a voice message in all directions for 2 minutes. The cycle is repeated until the warning is over. TAKE COVER IMMEDIATELY.
2. All doors and window coverings should be closed. All hallways and window sills should be cleared.
3. Staff should take a flashlight and a weather radio with them.
4. Employees and staff should proceed to designated tornado-safe areas and get into the proper tornado-safe position with their backs against the wall. The “safe area” has a yellow “T” at the top of the wall.
5. When an “All Clear” weather broadcast is issued, the maintenance staff (during regular office hours 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday) or nurse(s) on duty in the evening or on weekends, will physically go to all departments to tell all staff and individuals to return to normal operation.
   

On the Road:

The least desirable place to be during a tornado is in a motor vehicle. Tornado winds easily impact cars, buses, and trucks.

DO NOT TRY TO OUTRUN A TORNADO IN YOUR CAR:

1. If, while driving, you hear a tornado warning in the area you are in, safely stop the car/van and seek a safe shelter in a sturdy building.
2. If no safe building is available, stop your vehicle and get out. Do not get under your vehicle. Follow the directions for seeking shelter outdoors (see next section).

Seeking Shelter from a Tornado Outdoors:

If you are caught outside during a tornado and there is no adequate shelter immediately available, and the condition is a Tornado Warning:

1. Avoid areas with many trees.
2. Avoid protection under bridges.
3. Lie face down in a gully, ditch, or low spot on the ground.
4. Protect your head with an object or with your arms.
5. Stay clear of power lines.
6. DO NOT LEAVE INDIVIDUAL(S) UNATTENDED

If you are at the individual’s workshop, follow the workshop’s instructions.  Stay away from large areas of glass and rooms with large ceilings.

Winter Storms

A WINTER STORM WATCH alerts the public to the potential for blizzard conditions, heavy snow, significant icing, or a combination of these events. Watches are usually issued 12 to 36 hours before the beginning of the winter storm. When a winter storm watch is issued:

1. Listen to the weather radio, local radio, TV stations, or Cable TV, such as the Weather Channel, for further updates.
2. Be alert to changing weather conditions.
3. Avoid unnecessary travel.

A WINTER STORM WARNING is issued when a combination of heavy snow, heavy freezing rain, or heavy sleet is expected to occur. Winter storm warnings are usually issued 6 to 24 hours before the event is expected. When a winter storm warning is issued:

1. Stay indoors during the storm.
2. If staff and individuals must go outside, several layers of lightweight clothing will keep them warmer than a single heavy coat. Gloves or mittens and a hat will prevent loss of body heat. Cover your mouth to protect your lungs.
3. Do not travel in vehicles.

A BLIZZARD WARNING is issued for sustained or gusty winds of 35 m.p.h. or more and falling or blowing snow creating visibilities below ¼ mile. These conditions should persist for at least three hours. SEEK SHELTER IMMEDIATELY.

BE PREPARED FOR WINTER STORMS:

1. Keep radios and televisions on and watch for broadcasts by the National Weather Service regarding winter storms and tornado watches, warnings, and “All Clear” announcements.
2. Ensure that extra blankets, slippers, and umbrellas are available in the hallway closet, ready for last-minute emergencies.
3. Ensure that each individual has a warm coat, gloves or mittens, a hat, and water-resistant boots.
4. If the furnace is not working properly, staff are to notify the Maintenance Staff On-Call and the Incident Hotline immediately.
   • If the interior temperature drops below 55 degrees F, the Maintenance Staff On-call is to notify the Executive Director immediately.
   • The Executive Director/designee will contact the Ohio Department of Health Office of Licensing at 614-466-7857 or the regional office at 419-245-2840 (western) or 330-643-1300 (eastern).
   • Arrangements will be made to relocate the individuals as necessary
5. Walk carefully on snowy, icy sidewalks.
6. If you are in a vehicle, ensure the gas tank is full and someone knows your destination, your route, and your expected arrival time. All Open Door vehicles have winter emergency kits (i.e., a blanket, red flag, etc). If you should get stuck in a winter storm while you are in the vehicle:
   • Stay in your vehicle; do not try to walk to safety.
   • Use the cell phone to call for help.
   • Tie the red flag to the antenna for rescuers to see.
   • Start the vehicle and use the heater for about 10 minutes every hour. Keep the exhaust pipe clear so fumes won’t back up into the vehicle.
   • Leave the overhead light on while the engine is running so that you can be seen.

Floods and Flash Floods

Flood – The condition that occurs when water overflows the natural or artificial confines of a stream or body of water, or accumulates by drainage over low-lying areas.

1. A flood WATCH means a flood is possible in your area.
2. A flood WARNING means flooding is already occurring or will occur soon in your area.

Flash Flood – A flood that rises and falls quite rapidly. Flash floods occur when intense rainfall occurs over a relatively small area in a short period of time.

1. A flash flood WATCH means a flash flood is possible in your area.
2. A flash flood WARNING means flash flooding is already occurring or will occur very soon.

During a Flood or Flash Flood Warning:

1. If indoors, turn on the battery-operated weather radio for the latest emergency information, and if told to leave, do so immediately. If the facility needs to evacuate, policy 7.15.03 Whole Facility Evacuation and/or policy 7.16 Emergency Preparedness Plan should be followed.
2. If outdoors, climb to high ground and stay there; avoid walking through any flood waters.
3. If you approach a flooded area in a vehicle, turn around and go the other way. If your vehicle stalls, abandon it immediately and climb to higher ground.
4. If storm drainage water is seeping under the apartment’s doors, place towels at the bottom of the door and notify the maintenance personnel on call.
5. Maintain the weather radio.
6. Encourage individuals to stay indoors.
7. Carefully evaluate travel plans.

Extreme Heat

• Heat Wave: A prolonged period of excessive heat and humidity.
• Heat Index: A number in degrees Fahrenheit (F) that tells how hot it really feels when relative humidity is added to the actual air temperature. Exposure to full sunshine can increase the heat index by 15 degrees F.
• Heat Cramps: Heat cramps are muscular pains and spasms due to exertion in hot conditions. Although heat cramps are the least severe, they are an early indicator that the body is having trouble with the heat.
• Heat Exhaustion: Heat exhaustion typically occurs when heavy exertion or work in hot, humid conditions leads to an excessive loss of body fluids. Blood flow to the skin increases, causing blood flow to decrease to the vital organs. This results in a form of mild shock. If not treated, the victim may suffer heat stroke.
• Heat Stroke: Heat stroke is a life-threatening condition. The victim’s temperature control system, which produces sweating to cool the body, stops working. The body temperature can rise so high that brain damage and death may result if the body is not cooled quickly.
• Sunstroke: Another term for heat stroke.

If a heat wave is predicted or happening:

1. Slow down. Avoid strenuous activity. If strenuous activity is required, do it during the coolest part of the day, which is usually in the morning between 4:00 am and 7:00 am.
2. Stay indoors as much as possible.
3. Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing.
4. Drink plenty of water regularly and often, even if you do not feel thirsty.
5. Water is the safest liquid to drink during heat emergencies. Avoid drinks containing alcohol or caffeine.
6. Eat small meals more often. Avoid foods that are high in protein, as these increase metabolic heat.

Signs of Heat Emergencies

• Heat exhaustion: Signs of heat exhaustion include cool, moist, pale, or flushed skin; heavy sweating; headache; nausea and vomiting; dizziness; and exhaustion. Body temperature will be near normal.
• Heat Stroke: Hot, red skin; changes in consciousness; rapid, weak pulse; and rapid, shallow breathing. Body temperature can be very high, as high as 105 degrees F. If the person is sweating from heavy work or exercise, the skin may be wet; otherwise, it will feel dry.

Signed by:

Rebecca Sharp Porter
Chief Executive Director

Last Revised: