Handex Insights

What To Do During a Weather Related Watch or Warning

Written by Handex Communications | November 15, 2016

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At Handex, the health and safety of all our employees are primary concerns. We have several Emergency Response Plans in place, but for this post, we will focus on our plan for hurricanes, strong storms, snow storms, tornadoes and other major storms. This plan follows the recommended action timeline for pending severe weather systems.

When an event such as these occurs, we make sure to notify all Handex employees via group email and/or text so they are aware that a response plan is taking place. If the emergency is expected during the weekend or on a company holiday, designated employees will be contacted to return to the office to secure equipment if needed and safe to do so.

What to Do During a Weather-Related Watch

A storm watch is put in place when current conditions make it possible for a storm to develop within the next 48 hours. So 48 hours before the expected impact, it is recommended that an organization take the following steps:

  1. Review your Emergency Response Plan
  2. Review your evacuation route(s) & listen to local officials.
  3. Review the items in your disaster supply kit and add items to meet the requirements stated in this procedure.
  4. Monitor local weather reports.
  5. Make sure your office location employee contact list is current. 

What to Do During a Weather-Related Warning

A storm warning is put in place when current conditions make it probable for a storm to develop in the next 36 hours. So 36 hours before the expected impact, at a minimum, an organization should take the following steps:

  1. Monitor local weather updates and emergency instruction by listening to the radio or TV.
  2. Establish a clear line of communication and/or a call chain for wellness checks throughout the event.  Test your wellness check system via group text and email.
  3. Secure all loose items and elevate items stored on the floor.
  4. Ensure that all vehicles are fueled and spare gas cans are filled and stored properly.

Be Prepared

Having an effective Emergency Response Plan in place is a vital part of your organization's health and safety program. Your plan should have written documentation and be displayed in an area that is accessible to all staff and employees.

Handex would like to take this opportunity to remind our readers, clients and friends how to prepare and stay safe during a hurricane or severe weather event. The unexpected can happen in the blink of an eye, so it is important to be prepared and have a plan.

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Written by Handex Communications
Handex provides professional high quality environmental remediation, engineering, construction and industrial services including sludge dewatering. For 50 years, Handex has developed solutions for our clients’ environmental needs that are cost-effective, regulatory compliant and consistent with objectives.

Topics: Health & Safety