Preparing for Weather Emergencies

HSCG, LLC 2012 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 Session Objectives

HSCG, LLC 2012 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

HSCG, LLC 2012 Hazards of Weather Emergencies (cont.) Broken windows Water damage Outside items blown or washed away Extreme temperatures Lightning strikes Downed trees or tree limbs

HSCG, LLC 2012 Emergency Plan Evacuation routes and procedures Critical plant operations Accounting for evacuees Rescue and medical duties Procedures for reporting emergencies

HSCG, LLC 2012 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 Critical Instructions

HSCG, LLC 2012 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

HSCG, LLC 2012 Family Emergency Plan Develop and practice your plan Determine evacuation routes and assembly areas Determine safe rooms when evacuation is inappropriate

HSCG, LLC 2012 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

HSCG, LLC 2012 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

HSCG, LLC 2012 Hazards and Preparedness: True 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.

HSCG, LLC 2012 Hazards and Preparedness Do you understand the information presented in the previous slides?

HSCG, LLC 2012 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 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

HSCG, LLC 2012 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 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

HSCG, LLC 2012 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

HSCG, LLC 2012 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

HSCG, LLC 2012 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 Flood Preparation

HSCG, LLC 2012 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 During a Flood

HSCG, LLC 2012 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

HSCG, LLC 2012 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

HSCG, LLC 2012 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

HSCG, LLC 2012 Wildfire Preparation Trim trees and remove debris Plan water sources Plan evacuation routes

HSCG, LLC 2012 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

HSCG, LLC 2012 Natural Disaster Response Flood Tornado Heat Wave Thunderstorm Drink Fluids Go to a higher ground Stay away from electricity Go to an inner room

HSCG, LLC 2012 Natural Disaster Response Do you understand about: Weather emergencies and natural disasters? How to prepare for and survive these events?

HSCG, LLC 2012 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

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