Most people think of severe weather as stormy and windy. However, severe weather includes other situations like snow/ice storms, extremely cold temperatures, flash flooding and extremely hot temperatures. 

Most people have a plan in their mind for what they would do if a tornado were on the way, but few have a plan for other severe weather possibilities. You or your company should have a contingency plan for any severe weather. The following information suggests some ideas for making that plan.

Monitor the Weather: No matter the time of year, you or someone in your organization should monitor the status of any impending severe weather. A radio or television with battery back-up should be tuned to a local station, which provides current weather information. Another option would be to purchase a NOAA Weather Radio. If the National Weather Service releases important information, a tone will be issued causing the radio to "turn on" and broadcast the information. If no information is being released, the radio stays in a "stand-by" mode and is silent. Some of these radios can be programmed to alert only if there is information pertaining to a specific region others alert for broadcasts regarding a much larger area. No matter what form of communication you decide on, be sure to have plenty of fresh, back-up batteries available.

Basic Preparation: No matter what time of year, there are some basic preparations that should be made. First, in addition to back-up emergency lighting, flashlights should be available and stored throughout the building/home. You should answer the question, at what point is the power outage substantial enough that we send everyone home? Consider how long it would take for the temperature to rise or fall out of a safe range without the assistance of heating or air-conditioning systems. If employees were forced to "ride it out", how would their basic needs be met?

Cold Weather: Cold, snowy weather is a fact of life in the wintertime. Not all situations require a "snow day" but many do. The important thing to remember is that most deaths are indirectly related to the storm itself.  People prepare to "hunker down" during the storm but according to the national weather service, most deaths or injuries occur to people involved in traffic crashes, people which have heart attacks while shoveling snow or are exposed to the cold for a prolonged period of time and experience hypothermia after the "storm" is over.

The first step in preparation is to understand what warnings and watches mean. The National Weather Service provided the following definitions.

Winter Weather Advisory: Winter weather conditions are expected to cause significant inconveniences and may be hazardous. If caution is exercised, these situations should not become life threatening. The greatest hazard will probably be to motorists.

Frost/Freeze Warning: Below freezing temperatures are expected and may cause significant damage to plants, crops or fruit trees. In some facilities heating systems may not be unable to keep up with the dropping temperatures. People working in unheated areas will be especially vulnerable and should take extra precautions.

Winter Storm Watch: Severe weather conditions, such as heavy snow and/or ice, are possible within the next day or two.  You should be able to answer the following questions: 

• Will someone need to "ride it out" in order for key functions of the operation to continue or can everyone go home?
• When will you send everyone home?
• How will they know when they should return?
• If there will be people staying, is there enough, food, water, warm clothing, etc. for them to last 2-3 days if necessary?

Winter Storm Warning: Severe weather conditions have begun or are about to begin in your area. At this point, leaving to go home may not be a good idea OR maybe everyone should leave right away before the storm starts.

Blizzard Warning: Snow and strong winds will combine to produce a blinding snow (near zero visibility), deep drifts and life-threatening wind chill. Everyone should stay indoors and wait until the conditions improve.

Finally, company vehicles should be fully checked and winterized before a storm hits. Each vehicle should carry a winter storm survival kit to include the following items:  blanket/sleeping bag, flashlight and extra batteries, first-aid kit; knife; high calorie, non-perishable food; a large, empty can and plastic cover with tissues and paper towels for sanitary purposes; a smaller can and water-proof matches to melt snow for drinking water; sack of sand or cat litter; shovel; windshield scraper and brush; tool kit; tow rope; booster cables; water container; compass and road maps.  Employees who could possibly be traveling and end up stranded during a storm should also carry a clean dry set of clothing. They should keep their gas tanks near full, avoid traveling alone and let others know their timetable and travel routes.

Warm Weather: Heat induced deaths and injuries are a hazard many do not consider. Hot temperatures can cause the body to actually loose fluids faster than it can replenish them. When at all possible people should remain indoors during periods of extreme temperatures. Those who must be outside should drink water constantly and take frequent breaks in shady areas. They should also wear a hat and sunscreen.

Lightning: Lightning can occur in any storm, not just the severe ones. It can happen during the heart of the storm or along the leading edge while the sky is still blue. There are no official watches or warnings for lightning. Many people have false ideas about lightning such as it always strikes the tallest object and it never strikes the same place twice. In fact, lightning strikes the best conductor and the Empire State Building for instance, is struck many times every year. You can best prepare for lightning by assuming that it will be a part of any approaching storm. Assume that thunder means lightning, even if the lightning is not visible. Keep in mind that telephone lines, metal pipes (such as those found in plumbing fixtures), water, tall trees and poles can conduct electricity so stay away from them. Unplug appliances to avoid power surges. If you are outside, try to move inside.  If there is no shelter, get to the lowest area, squat down and roll into a ball by wrapping your harms around your knees. Try to touch as little of your body to the ground as possible.

Flash Floods: According to the National Weather service they are the number one weather killer. Water can rise very quickly. It can be deeper and move more rapidly than it appears. During a Flash Flood Warning do not try to cross or enter standing or rising water, even in a large vehicle.  Choose another route. Get to high ground a quickly as possible.

High Winds: Tornadoes and high winds occur with frequency during warmer weather months. Many myths surround tornadoes.  Areas near rivers, lakes and mountains are just as vulnerable as any other area to experience a tornado. Buildings do not "explode" as the tornado passes overhead, in fact violent winds and debris slamming into buildings cause the most structural damage.  Opening windows will not minimize the damage, in fact opening the windows allows damaging winds to enter the structure more easily. You cannot always see a tornado coming. It can be hidden in heavy rain or it can form on top of you. Tornadoes can cross water and waterspouts occur frequently over bodies of water.

Your best chance for surviving a tornado or high winds is to have a plan ahead of time. Your plan should include three major components:

1. Stay away from windows and doors containing glass.
2. Put as many walls between you and the outside of the building as possible. Debris may be traveling at tremendous speeds and can penetrate outside walls of buildings.
3. Get as low as possible. Go to the lowest level of the building. Kneel on the floor, put your face on your knees and cover the back of your head with your hands.

Know what the storm advisories mean.

Designate a safe spot for employees and customers to go to in the event of severe winds. Flashlights and a battery-operated radio should be located there as well as extra batteries. A first aid kit and extra water is also a good idea.

You should have a plan in case your facility is damaged. Identify ahead of time which employees should report to the site to assist with clean up and recovery and which ones should remain at home.

• Is there another location from which you could get business up and running? 
• What would you need to accomplish this? 
• Can these materials be located in a secured place off site? 
• How will you communicate with your employees when it is time for them to return to work? 
• Do they know the plan or will your switchboards be overwhelmed with employees calling in to get information?