How To Prepare Your Office for a Severe Storm

5/24/2021 (Permalink)

Flood damage to a building in Fountain Valley, CA.

Prepare For Severe Weather At Work

Thunderstorms threaten both residential homes and commercial business buildings every year. Severe storms can produce high winds, hail, and lightning, all of which can wreak havoc on structures and cause harm to their occupants. If you are a building manager looking to equip your business with the proper safety features to withstand a thunderstorm, read below to learn how to best prepare for severe weather at work.

Plan in Advance
A severe rainstorm can appear seemingly out of nowhere. Therefore, be sure your office is ready for an emergency by organizing proper first aid equipment if or when it is needed. Conventional emergency kits often include:

• Water
  
• Batteries
  
• Nonperishable food
  
• Blankets
  
• First-aid supplies
  
• Medicine
  
  

Additionally, ensure your office has an evacuation plan in place, and conduct practice storm drills regularly. Don't forget to post relevant contact numbers near the first aid supplies in the event an employee needs to place an emergency call.

Take Proper Emergency Precautions
If a severe rainstorm in Fountain Valley, CA, is imminent, ensure you and your employees follow proper office protocol. Track local news channels, and listen for forecasts and updates regarding the storm's severity.
Encourage employees to remain inside by canceling any planned outdoor functions or gatherings. Further, recommend they steer clear of the windows as they can potentially shatter in the high winds of a violent thunderstorm.
Finally, in anticipation of a power outage, charge all mobile devices and tablets so that they will be usable during the storm.

Recover Appropriately
Even when a rainstorm subsides, you must continue to take proper precautions to ensure employee safety. First, steer clear of any storm-damaged structures until professionals conduct a storm damage assessment. Continue listening to local news coverage, which will indicate road closures, traffic jams, and flooded streets. Lastly, always avoid fallen power lines, and report them to the fire department immediately.
An extreme thunderstorm can present many dangers to an office environment. Proper preparation and awareness can keep your employees safe and out of harm's way.