DATE: May 29, 1997

TO: Fund Members

FROM: Steven Traub, Risk Control Representative

RE: Severe Weather and Emergency Planning

Severe weather season is once again upon us and we would like to take this opportunity to remind members to review and evaluate their emergency planning procedures. Emergency procedures designed for students are practiced on a regular basis; however, they don't always include employees outside of teaching staff. Employees such as librarians, food service persons, maintenance persons, custodians, clerical and administration should also be aware of workplace policies and shelters for severe weather. Please consider the following facts and tips when discussing policies and shelters with students and staff.

Severe Weather Facts

• Tornadoes can occur at any time of the year, but peak months for occurrence in Michigan are June, July and August.
• Tornadoes can occur at any time of the day but are most likely to occur between 3 and 9 p.m.
• Tornadoes often occur as thunderstorms rapidly form.
• Lightning occurs with ALL thunderstorms.
• Most lightning casualties occur in the summer months and during the afternoon and early evening.
• Most lightning deaths and injuries occur when people are caught outdoors.
• Flash floods are the No. 1 cause of thunderstorm-related deaths.
• Most flash flood deaths occur when people are trapped in automobiles.

Severe Weather Tips

• Establish a written severe weather response program. Train staff and students of the program and practice it regularly. The program should indicate warning signals and shelter areas.
• Conduct a mock disaster drill and see if staff knows what to do.
• Review severe weather procedures with bus drivers.
• A WATCH is issued when conditions are favorable for tornadoes or thunderstorms.
• A WARNING is issued when a tornado or thunderstorm has been sighted or identified on radar.
• Become familiar with your community's sirens and warning system.
• Radios with battery back-up should be utilized to monitor National Weather Service broadcasts during a tornado or thunderstorm.
• Special provisions should be made for disabled persons and those in portable classrooms.
• Seek shelter indoors when severe weather approaches.
• Avoid unnecessary travel during severe weather and when flooding can occur.

Shelter areas should be identified and located in each main building on your campus. Consider the relative design and strength of your buildings when developing shelters. The following guidelines may assist you in developing or evaluating shelter areas.

• Shelter areas should be located in basements or in interior rooms or hallways on the lowest floor.
• Cement and concrete walls offer a higher level of stability.
• Shelter areas should have little to no windows to protect occupants from broken glass and flying debris.
• Good housekeeping practices should keep access and occupancy of shelter areas free of obstruction.
• Shelter areas should be large enough to accompany all staff members at any time of the day or year.
• Shelter areas should be centrally located so that they can be accessed by all staff.

Feel free to call us if you have any questions or unusual circumstances that need special attention.