Preparing for a Tornado Checklists

Preparing for a Tornado: At Home

1. Create a go-bag for your home with key items that may be necessary during and after a tornado.  The go-bag should be portable so it can be quickly taken with you in the event you must change locations or evacuate after the tornado.  Vertex has developed a Tornado Go-Bag Home Checklist, which can be used as a guide to prepare your go-bag as well as your home’s designated shelter area.  (See below)
2. Develop a tornado action plan for your home.  Ensure everyone who lives in the home understands the plan and what to do in the event of a tornado.  The plan should include communicating the existence of a tornado as well as methods for communication afterward in the event you are separated.  Remember that when you are unable to make voice calls using a mobile phone it is sometimes caused by the system being overwhelmed with numerous people trying to make calls.  During these times, you still may have the ability to send a text.
3. Practice the plan with all members of the household just as you would a fire drill.

 Preparing for a Tornado: At Work

1. Establish designated internal shelter areas for the business.  It is wise to consult a building engineer to determine the safest structural locations for the shelter areas. 
2. Clearly mark internal shelter areas with signage.
3. Include the locations of internal shelter areas on emergency evacuation maps so they are apparent to the building occupants.
4. Stock designated shelter areas with equipment and provisions which may be necessary in the event of a tornado.  Vertex has developed an Internal Shelter Area Business Checklist, which can be used as a guide. (See below) 
5. Develop a written emergency action plan relative to Severe Storms.  Ensure the plan includes accountability of employees as well as contractors and vendors working on the property.  The plan must also include a means of communicating the potential emergency to employees, contractors/vendors and customers who are on the property.  Remember that when you are unable to make voice calls using a mobile phone it is sometimes caused by the system being overwhelmed with numerous people trying to make calls.  During these times, you still may have the ability to send a text.
6. Train all applicable personnel on the emergency action plan.  This training should include an explanation of the plan’s content, tabletop exercises and drills to ensure everyone can demonstrate the competencies involved.  Employers must ensure that emergency action plans are covered in their new-employee orientation to ensure personnel are trained prior to beginning employment.
7. Review emergency action plans yearly to ensure they are current and applicable.
8. Contact all personnel on the written emergency action plan a minimum of once per year or any time the plan is revised.
9. Conduct tabletop exercises and drills a minimum of once per year to keep personnel proficient with the practical application of the plan.