Tornado Preparedness
Note: This will be the last OSHA Topic involving Natural Disaster Preparedness.
Tornadoes are widely known as natural disasters. They are disastrous whirlwinds that can destroy anything it its path. Although it happens mostly in the central part of the U.S, predominantly in North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, and the norther part of Texas, it can happened anywhere, in the world. Here in California, especially in the lower levels of the state (Central Valley, Los Angeles Valley), we have some tornado activity. About 2 years ago close to this date, Denair got hiy by a EF2 tornado that hit the northern part of town. Nobody had ever seen something like that to happened in the town before. There had been several tornadoes that hit north of the Capital of California and parts of the Valley. So, tornadoes have hit the central part of the U.S, but California is NOT off the hook when it comes to tornadoes.
As of right now, if you have been following up with my posts, you probably know that safety is the #1 priority. So, there are several guidelines when it comes to Tornado Preparedness.
For starters, the recommendations are similar to those in my other posts. However, the difference is as follows: when a tornado watch/ warning is in effect, you have to take action, due to the fact that super-cells (which are fast rotating clouds that produce tornadoes) move at a fast pace and if the factors are favorable, then a tornado may touch down and cause destruction.
Speaking of which, below is the difference between a Tornado Watch and a Tornado Warning.
It is not the same as a hurricane where it is moving at a much slower pace. Tornadoes happen very suddenly and within minutes, danger may be imminent.
OSHA strongly advises to seek shelter at the lowest level of the building and to remain indoors until the storm clears. When the tornado passes, FEMA will arrive and provide assistance to those who need first aid and shelter. Also make sure if you have a survival bad with a first aid kit along with food and water.
Bear in mind that after a tornado passes, Hazards are going to be all over the place. some example of potential hazards could include but limited to:
For starters, the recommendations are similar to those in my other posts. However, the difference is as follows: when a tornado watch/ warning is in effect, you have to take action, due to the fact that super-cells (which are fast rotating clouds that produce tornadoes) move at a fast pace and if the factors are favorable, then a tornado may touch down and cause destruction.
Speaking of which, below is the difference between a Tornado Watch and a Tornado Warning.
It is not the same as a hurricane where it is moving at a much slower pace. Tornadoes happen very suddenly and within minutes, danger may be imminent.
OSHA strongly advises to seek shelter at the lowest level of the building and to remain indoors until the storm clears. When the tornado passes, FEMA will arrive and provide assistance to those who need first aid and shelter. Also make sure if you have a survival bad with a first aid kit along with food and water.
Bear in mind that after a tornado passes, Hazards are going to be all over the place. some example of potential hazards could include but limited to:
- Hazardous driving conditions due to slippery and/or blocked roadways
- Falling and flying objects such as tree limbs and utility poles
- Sharp objects including nails and broken glass
- Electrical hazards from downed power lines or downed objects in contact with power lines
- Burns from fires caused by energized line contact or equipment failure
- Heat and Dehydration.
So to be concluded, Tornados are something that needs to be considered seriously when forecasters predict that tornadoes can occur. Take the precautions necessary. And remember, safety is the # 1 priority.
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