Severe weather / tornado

•  Assign people within your office to relocate all occupants to the core areas of the building (Areas of Refuge such as lowest level of the Building, stairwells, inner corridors, or restrooms) as quickly as possible.  
• Employees should leave exterior offices and close the door.  
• Stay away from exterior windows and the perimeter of the building. 
• Sit down and protect yourself by putting your head as close to your lap as possible, or kneel protecting your head. 
• Employees should stay away from the main lobby and entry ways.
• Remain in your area of refuge until the “All Clear” has been issued by the National Weather Service. 
• Do not use elevators during your company’s relocation process within the Building. 
• If your company decides to evacuate the Building, the Tenant's Emergency Warden or otherwise designated person, should notify the Building Management office of your intention to do so. Evacuate via stairway in a severe weather evacuation. 
• Assign people within your office to make certain that all members of your staff have evacuated safely.
• Notify Building Management or security of all leaks, fires, and structural or other damage during or after the storm

•  Assign people within your office to relocate all occupants to the core areas of the building (Areas of Refuge such as lowest level of the Building, stairwells, inner corridors, or restrooms) as quickly as possible.  
• Employees should leave exterior offices and close the door.  
• Stay away from exterior windows and the perimeter of the building. 
• Sit down and protect yourself by putting your head as close to your lap as possible, or kneel protecting your head. 
• Employees should stay away from the main lobby and entry ways.
• Remain in your area of refuge until the “All Clear” has been issued by the National Weather Service. 
• Do not use elevators during your company’s relocation process within the Building. 
• If your company decides to evacuate the Building, the Tenant's Emergency Warden or otherwise designated person, should notify the Building Management office of your intention to do so. Evacuate via stairway in a severe weather evacuation. 
• Assign people within your office to make certain that all members of your staff have evacuated safely.
• Notify Building Management or security of all leaks, fires, and structural or other damage during or after the storm. 

•  Seek shelter under your desk.
• If safe to do so, remain in the area until the "All Clear" has been given National Weather Service, your Emergency Warden or Building Management.

Winter storms can range from a moderate snow over a few hours to a blizzard with blinding, wind-driven snow that lasts for several days. Many winter storms are accompanied by dangerously low temperatures and sometimes by strong winds, icing, sleet and freezing rain and/or fog. 

One of the primary concerns of winter weather storms is the ability to knock out heat, power and communications services to your  home or office, sometimes for days at a time. Heavy snowfall and extreme can immobilize an entire region. 

The National Weather Service refers to winter storms as the “Deceptive Killers” because most deaths are indirectly related to the storm. Instead, people are injured or killed in traffic accidents, hypothermia or frostbite from prolonged exposure to the cold.  It is important to be prepared for winter weather before it strikes. 

A number of detailed resources can be found at NOAA, such as their preparedness guide "Winter Storms - The Deceptive Killer" .

 Stay Informed:

• Listen to NOAA Weather Radio to stay informed of winter weather watches and warnings. 
• Also monitor commercial radio, television and the Internet. ​​

Familiarize yourself with these terms to help identify a winter storm hazard:

• Freezing Rain - Rain that freezes when it hits the ground, creating a coating of ice on roads, walkways, trees and power lines.
• Sleet - Rain that turns to ice pellets before reaching the ground. Sleet also causes moisture on roads to freeze and become slippery.
• Winter Weather Advisory - Winter weather conditions are expected to cause significant inconveniences and may be hazardous. When caution is used, these situations should not be life threatening.
• Winter Storm Watch - A winter storm is possible in your area. 
• Winter Storm Warning - A winter storm is occurring or will soon occur in your area.
• Blizzard Warning - Sustained winds or frequent gusts to 35 miles per hour or greater and considerable amounts of falling or blowing snow (reducing visibility to less than a quarter mile) are expected to prevail for a period of three hours or longer.
• Frost/Freeze Warning - Below freezing temperatures are expected.

A few simple measures can make it safer to walk outdoors in the winter. Avoiding snow and ice, putting and wearing the right footwear all make a big difference.

• Choose a good pair of winter boots. For warmth and stability look for these features:
  • Insulated and waterproof
  • thick, non-slip tread sole
  • wide, low heels
  • lightweight.
• Bring out those hands!

          Hold it! Don’t remove those gloves or mittens yet. Think twice before walking outside

          with your hands in your pockets.

          Why? Keeping your hands in your pockets increases the risk of you falling or 

          completely losing your balance in case you slip while walking on ice or snow. 

• Mittens VS. Gloves

                    Gloves sure look fashionable but donning mittens can actually save your digits. With your fingers  

                    touching each other inside mittens, they generate more body heat than when they are inside 

                    gloves. 

• Dress in Layers

Prevent heat loss by wearing a warm hat, scarf, and mittens or gloves. Dressing in layers may also keep you warmer.

•  Keep your gas tank at least half full. 
• Creating a winter car kit and place in the trunk of the car. This includes: windshield scraper and small broom, flashlight, spare radio with batteries, snacks or energy-type food, water, jumper cables, flares and matches, shovel, sand or shingles to give tires traction, extra hats, socks and mittens, first aid kit, and fluorescent distress flag.
• Check the following items on your car: 
  • Antifreeze levels
  • Battery and ignition
  • Brakes
  • Exhaust system
  • Fuel and air filters
  • Heater and defroster
  • Lights and flashing hazard lights
  • Oil
  • Thermostat
  • Windshield wiper equipment
  • Tires