Tornado Safety at Work & School: 5 Essential Preparedness Tips

When you live in an area prone to tornadoes, it seems like they can touch down anywhere at any time. Tornadoes don’t care whether you are at work, at school, or driving your car. That’s why tornado preparedness is so important. In today’s blog at Stormbox, we discuss five tornado tips for work and school. You can also check out our Tornado Tips: At Home blog for useful information about what to do when a tornado strikes and you are at home.

Read on to see our top five tips and contact us at Stormbox today for a reliable and effective community storm shelter.

1. Find the Lowest, Most Interior Floor

If your workplace or school does not have a dedicated emergency tornado shelter, the next best thing is to get to the lowest floor of the building. If your school or work has a basement, that is going to be the best place for you to be. Otherwise, do your best to find an interior room with as few doors and windows as possible. The goal is to put as many walls as possible between you and the tornado for maximum tornado protection.

2. Avoid Large, Open Rooms

Many schools and workplaces have large auditoriums, theaters, or other very open and large rooms. It’s best to avoid rooms with large roofs and find cover in a room with a smaller one. The last thing anyone wants is to be crushed by the very same large roof meant to protect you. Interior bathrooms, classrooms without exterior walls, and boardrooms are superior options for tornado safety.

3. Stay Clear of Windows

You should always stay clear of windows during a tornado. There is a very good reason that Stormbox community storm shelters are engineered without them. Windows can break from high winds, hail, and flying debris from a tornado. Projectiles flying in through windows and hurting someone and shards of glass being hurtled toward you is a scenario you will want to avoid if at all possible.

4. Seek Protective Cover

The fourth tip we have for you is to find some cover to protect yourself. Mats, tables, benches, and anything else that can provide some protection from flying debris is free game. Even if you are in a room without very many windows, you may still encounter debris moving very quickly. To avoid injury, it’s best to put whatever you can between yourself and the tornado.

5. Have a Plan in Place

Last but certainly not least: be prepared. Having a well-defined emergency preparedness plan is the most effective way to ensure safety. At Stormbox, our community storm shelters are far and above the best and easier way to be prepared for a tornado. These tornado safe rooms are rated for up to EF-5 tornadoes, are easy to use, and are affordable options for protecting groups of people like those found at schools and workplaces.

Formalizing Your Emergency Preparedness Plan

A truly effective emergency preparedness plan goes beyond just knowing the tips—it involves formalizing and practicing the procedure. Schools and businesses should conduct regular tornado drills so that everyone knows the route to the designated safe area without hesitation. The plan should also include protocols for accountability to ensure everyone is accounted for and a communication strategy for updating families and emergency services. Designating a safe, accessible, and clearly marked shelter location is the cornerstone of this plan.

Stormbox: The Ultimate in Tornado Protection

We hope today’s blog helps you be more prepared for your next tornado — no matter where you are at. For schools and businesses, providing the highest level of tornado protection is a responsibility that can’t be overlooked. To learn more about our community storm shelters and to start with a free quote, contact us today!