|
Emergency Action Plans... Severe Weather
Various locales are exposed to severe weather such as thunder and lightning storms, tornadoes, hurricanes, winter storms, and flash flooding. The suggested behavioral responses to these types of severe weather are outlined as follows: thunder and lightning storms, page 2; hurricanes, page 4; tornadoes, page 6; winter storms, page 7; flash flooding, page 9; but first, some general comments.
Your facility as a shelter
Some Y's are so constructed and situated that they are or can be used as a shelter in times of community emergency for whatever need. If your facility falls in this class, the information listed in the paragraphs and pages that follow for hurricane preparation applies, and they should be incorporated into your emergency action plan even if you have no significant hurricane exposure.
If your facility would not be used for a shelter, either because of construction type, location (adverse exposure to high winds, low ground, extensive large trees immediately around the building, etc.), or other considerations, then the preparation is much simpler. On the day storm notification is received, inform the patrons as they leave after their activities that the facility will be closed until after the storm passes. Then protect the windows, sandbag low areas if necessary, secure outside items (or bring them inside), lock the door, and leave. After the storm you will face basically the same scenario as if you were a shelter (i.e., STORM PROCEDURES AFTER A HURRICANE, page 5).
Assuming the facility would be used for a shelter during a hurricane or other severe weather, the preparations for the tornadoes and hurricanes are similar, including the maintenance of the following emergency supplies:
|
tools, including wrenches to shut off utilities
blankets/sleeping bags
portable battery powered radio
portable battery powered flashlight
food (canned or dried)
water stored in plastic airtight containers
|
|
first aid kit
fire extinguishers-ABC
extra batteries
eating utensils
can opener
pails with covers
|
For hurricanes, the following items are advisable, but can normally be obtained as the storm proceeds through its stages, as the hurricane usually takes much longer to develop than a tornado.
plywood for protection of plate glass windows
burlap bags for sandbagging
rope for lashing down of storage sheds, and other material that cannot be brought inside
The means of protecting people and property is as different for the two types of storms as the speed in which they approach. For tornadoes, there is little that can be done to protect property other than bring loose furniture and similar items into a sheltered place. Much more can be done to protect against the storm surge and the flooding that often accompany the hurricane. Personnel protection is also different, as tornadoes normally are such that evacuation of the area is impossible, while evacuation may be the best protection in a serious hurricane. During a tornado people need to get to the lowest level of the building in a corner, or under a substantial structural member, and stay away from windows. In a hurricane, people normally go to upper levels that will be away from any water that accompanies the storm. Windows are to be avoided in both types of storm.
THUNDER AND LIGHTENING STORMS
SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCHES AND WARNINGS
A severe thunderstorm watch is issued by the National Weather Service when one of the following is likely to develop:
damaging winds of 58 miles per hour or more
hail 3/4 inch in diameter or greater is likely to develop.
A severe thunderstorm warning is issued when a severe thunderstorm has been visually sighted or is indicated by weather radar.
PRIOR PLANNING FOR THUNDER AND LIGHTNING STORMS
In areas prone to thunder and lightning storms, policies should be established which protect property and people.
Buildings should be provided with lightning rods or other forms of lightning protection.
Swimming pools (indoor and outdoor) should be grounded.
Outdoor activities should have clearly stated procedures for staff to follow in case of thunder and lightning activity.
Certain indoor programs, e.g., swimming, activities near extensive glass windows, etc., should have similar plans.
Hail, which often accompanies thunderstorms, is dangerous to both persons and property and should have similar restriction of activity plans.
PROCEDURES FOR RESTRICTION OF ACTIVITY
Conditions AND DURATION FOR which the restriction applies
for the duration of a severe thunderstorm warning by the National Weather Service
from the time in-cloud lightning is observed overhead until 30 minutes after the last thunder is heard
from the time cloud-to-ground lightning is observed and the thunder is heard less than 30 seconds after the flash is seen until 30 minutes after the last thunder is heard
from the first sign of hail until 15 minutes after the hail ceases and the weather breaks
Activities for which restriction applies
outdoor field sports (e.g., soccer, football, baseball, etc.)
outdoor playground activity (i.e., using playground equipment, etc.)
other outdoor structured or unstructured play (not under a lightning-protected shelter)
boating, canoeing, water skiing, etc.
outdoor or indoor swimming (rare exception possible for indoor pools that are properly grounded and away from any glass walls or windows)
indoor activities in areas near significant glass walls or windows
ACTION THAT SHOULD BE TAKEN
| |
Scheduled activity should cease
|
field games (or other outdoor activity in the open) |
| |
play should be immediately suspended
players should quickly and orderly clear the field
ancillary equipment (i.e., racquets, golf clubs, hockey sticks, etc.) should be collected so it does not become a lightning rod
everyone should follow procedures for outside activities (below)
|
| |
play should immediately cease
children should be kept well clear of the equipment
everyone should follow procedures for outside activities (below)
|
|
boating, canoeing, water skiing, etc. |
| |
the activity should immediately be suspended (including collection of any out-of-boat individuals, e.g., water skier, etc.)
the vessel should quickly and orderly be returned to the nearest shore and properly secured
everyone should follow procedures for outside activities (below)
|
| |
swimming should immediately be suspended
the pool and pool deck should be quickly and orderly vacated and secured
everyone should follow the applicable outside or inside activity procedures (below)
|
Procedures for outside activities
|
everyone should go into a (preferably lightning-protected) structure
if no structure is available, get people into an automobile, bus, etc.
if no structure or vehicle is available, get to an open space and stay close to the ground (i.e., squat or sit on the ground); this is not a good option in case of hail
remember:
|
| |
do not stand in an open space
stay away from basketball goals, volleyball standards, trees, towers, fences, telephone or power poles or lines
stay clear of metallic objects (e.g., tractors, bicycles, camping equipment, playground equipment, fishing rods, golf clubs, etc.)
stay away from pools, ponds, lakes, rivers, or other bodies of water
|
Procedures for inside activities
|
ungrounded sources of water (e.g., pools, spas, etc.) or sources whose grounding status is undetermined should be vacated and avoided
areas with large expanses of glass (i.e., windows, skylights, roof panels, etc.) should be vacated and avoided.
|
|
HURRICANES
STORM PROCEDURES IMMEDIATELY BEFORE A HURRICANE
| |
WHEN A HURRICANE WATCH IS ISSUED… (i.e., a storm is expected to hit in 24-36 hrs).
| |
Monitor radio and TV for storm information.
Keep department managers posted on storm's activity.
Monitor the progress of preparation in the Y.
Relocate essential records, money, and office machines to an upper level.
Inform the patrons via the front desk of the storm's activity and the Y's precautions.
Determine how many employees will be available to work during the storm.
|
| |
Fill the Y's vehicles with fuel and park them on a high, protected area.
Install storm windows/plywood over lower windows.
Move tools that may be useful during and after the storm to a safe place.
Begin filling sandbags for later use as needed.
Transfer furniture from lower levels to upper level storage or meeting rooms.
Relocate outside furniture/etc to vacated rooms.
Remove any stored items from electrical rooms, mechanical rooms, or sump pump rooms.
|
|
Kitchen Manager (if present): |
| |
Transfer at least 3 days supply of canned goods and other non-perishables to an upper floor room.
Transfer cooking utensils, sterno, and candles to a room near the food items.
Purchase and store 3 days supply of paper plates, plastic utensils, and trash bags near the food items.
Clean and sterilize the drinking water containers.
|
|
| |
WHEN A HURRICANE WARNING IS ISSUED… (i.e., a storm is expected to hit within 24 hrs).
| |
Notify patrons and staff that the storm will hit soon.
Continue monitoring progress of the storm.
Have employees who will work during the storm move their families into the Y.
Plan activities to keep the guests entertained.
Keep the latest storm news available.
Coordinate the department managers activities
|
| |
Check the emergency generator, emergency lights, tools and supplies.
Disconnect the power to all the low-lying portions of the facility.
Secure all rooftop and lower level doors.
Begin sandbagging areas subject to flooding.
Move as much linen to upper floors as storage will allow.
Fill all tubs and sinks with water for drinking, washing, and sanitation.
Prepare staff to aid other departments as needed.
|
|
Kitchen Manager (if present): |
| |
Fill the water containers and store them with the food.
Turn refrigerators and freezers to their coldest settings...do not open unless absolutely necessary.
|
|
STORM PROCEDURES DURING A HURRICANE
No one leaves, except for extreme emergency.
Sandbag as needed.
Evacuate to upper floors if needed (and available).
Watch for flooding conditions. Continue to use public utilities until they fail.
Open leeward windows to release pressure.
If the eye passes directly overhead, be prepared to close those windows previously opened and open the ones on the other side of the building.
STORM PROCEDURES AFTER A HURRICANE
Make certain the storm is over before leaving shelter.
Check for injured or missing people. Do not move any that are seriously injured. Apply basic first aid.
Check for natural gas leaks. Leave building if leak is discovered or suspected.
Do not use electricity if the circuitry is damaged, if it is wet, or if gas leaks are suspected.
Be careful of falling debris and broken glass.
Stay away from downed power lines. Assume they are energized.
Enter any building very cautiously as dangers may be hidden.
Use only a flashlight when checking for injured persons or damages.
Make temporary repairs to limit further damage to property and reduce potential for injury to people.
Survey damages.
TORNADOS
STORM PROCEDURES IMMEDIATELY BEFORE A TORNADO:
At the announcement of a tornado watch, a brief public address announcement that the existing weather conditions are such that a tornado is likely to occur should be made. All patrons should be advised to be prepared to take shelter.
At the announcement of a tornado warning, all patrons should be notified that "the National Weather Service has announced a tornado warning. A written record should be maintained of the areas warned to make certain that none are missed.
When a tornado had been detected you should take cover immediately, seeking shelter away from windows, in an interior closet, under a doorway, or under a substantial piece of furniture. If your facility has significant stories, patrons on upper floors should be advised to seek shelter on a lower floor.
STORM PROCEDURES DURING A TORNADO
Stay under cover. Period!
STORM PROCEDURES AFTER A TORNADO
Make certain the storm is over before leaving shelter.
Check for injured or missing people. Do not move any who are seriously injured. Apply basic first aid.
Check for natural gas leaks. Leave building if leak is discovered or suspected.
Do not use electricity if the circuitry is damaged, if it is wet, or if gas leaks are suspected.
Be careful of falling debris and broken glass.
Stay away from downed power lines. Assume they are energized.
Enter any building very cautiously as dangers may be hidden.
Use only a flashlight when checking for injured persons or damages.
Make temporary repairs to limit further damage to property and reduce potential for injury to people.
Survey damages.
WINTER STORMS
TERMINOLOGY RELATING TO WINTER STORMS
A winter storm may consist of freezing rain, sleet, ice, or heavy snow. The most important pre-planning consideration is the proper monitoring of a winter storm. Understanding the terminology used by the weather service in reference to storm warnings can assist adequate preparation. They include:
Freezing rain and freezing drizzle – rain that freezes as it strikes the ground and other surfaces forming a coating or ice.
Sleet – small particles of ice, usually mixed with rain. If enough sleet accumulates on the ground it will make travel hazardous.
Snow – snow of steady nature that probably will continue for several hours, unless accompanied by the qualifiers intermittent, occasional, or flurries.
Wind Chill – the effect of wind, in combination with actual temperature, which increases the rate of heat loss to the human body.
High wind watch – sustained winds of at least 40 miles per hour or gusts of at least 50 miles per hour or greater are expected to last for at least 1 hour.
Winter storm watch – potential severe winter weather conditions in your area (freezing rain, sleet, snow) may occur either separately or in any combination thereof.
Winter storm warning – severe winter weather conditions are imminent.
Heavy snow warning – expected snowfall of at least 4 inches in twelve hours or 6 inches in 24 hours. The term can denote lesser amounts where winter storms are infrequent.
Blizzard warning – sustained wind speeds of at least 35 mph accompanied by considerable falling and/or blowing snow. Visibility is dangerously restricted.
STORM PROCEDURES BEFORE A WINTER STORM
Maintain sufficient sand, ice melt, and/or snow shovels to clear your walks and stairs.
Service and winterize the heating systems before the winter season begins.
Check fire protection systems frequently to prevent freeze ups and assure that all systems will operate properly in winter conditions.
Mats and/or runners should be available to absorb moisture from incoming shoes.
Warning signs or cones should be available to warn staff, members, and staff of potentially hazardous floor conditions.
Arrangements for prompt snow plowing of the parking lots should be made in advance. If this service is provided by an outside entity, certificates of insurance should be required and maintained.
Arrangements for prompt shoveling and de-icing of sidewalks, walkways, and steps should be made in advance. Again, if done by outsider, certificates of insurance should be required.
If the storm arises quickly, notification of facility users should be made so they can leave before the storm hits. If it is evident that a storm will close the facility, users should be informed as they leave that the facility will be closed until after the storm.
STORM PROCEDURES DURING AND AFTER A WINTER STORM
Heat should be maintained during the storm. If there is the possibility of heating failure, temporary heating should be arranged to prevent freezing of pipes, etc. Such action will require a watchman if the heat source is open flame, such as from kerosene heaters.
Floor condition should be constantly monitored during inclement weather. Mats should be placed at all entrances, cones placed to warn of potential wet floors. Each staff member should take ownership of floor condition.
Ensure that the prior arrangements for snow and ice removal are being fulfilled. Monitor all parking lots, walkways, etc. for possible re-freezing of melted snow on all pedestrian areas.
Exterior doors should be kept clear of snow and/or ice accumulations so that they can be opened. The doors should be cleared prior to reopening the facility, or kept clear during the storm if the facility is open.
The build-up of icicles and frozen snow masses on roof overhangs, rain gutters, and overhead fixtures should be prevented or controlled. Any build-up that develops while the facility is closed should be removed prior to reopening.
Outside recreation areas should be closed until free of ice and snow.
Emergency areas, fire lanes, fire hydrants, and fire protection equipment should remain available and accessible during the storm, or at least cleared prior to reopening.
Piles of snow should not be allowed to obstruct the view of pedestrians in the parking lot or of traffic that is entering or leaving the premises.
FLASH FLOODS
Flash Flood – Planning Considerations
Flash flood waves, moving at incredible speeds, can roll boulders, tear out trees, destroy buildings and bridges, and scour out channels. You won't always have warning that these deadly, sudden floods are coming. Although most YMCA facilities are not in areas where flash flooding is a threat to their building, grounds, or local patrons, some areas have drainage canals that can change from a trickle of water in the bottom to a raging torrent in the matter of minutes. Most YMCAs have camping or other activities that take them into areas that may be subject to such danger. Thus prior planning and education concerning this matter is important.
A flash flood is defined as a rapid, dangerous rise in the water level of a stream or over land area in a short period of time, caused by a heavy rain. A flash flood “watch” will be issued by the National Weather Service when heavy rains are occurring or may occur which could cause flash flooding. YMCAs should be made aware of the “watch” and the possibility of having to take emergency action. In the event of a flash flood “watch”, it is important to monitor the progress of the storm and to alert those within the “watch” boundaries.
A flash flood “warning” means that the flash flooding is occurring or that it is imminent and immediate precautions should be taken. These precautions should include:
obeying any evacuation notices issued by governmental agencies;
listening to battery operated radio for instructions;
alerting all necessary personnel, including any persons located at off-site camps;
activating any and all contingency plans;
evacuating all low lying areas as soon as possible;
warning personnel to not to cross flowing streams on foot or by vehicle, as the path may not be intact under the water;
warning personnel to abandon any vehicle that stalls and immediately seek higher ground, as rapidly rising water may engulf the vehicle and the occupants and sweep them away;
warning personnel to be especially cautious at night, when it is harder to recognize flood dangers;
The best protection from flash flood injury is attentiveness. Know the area in which you are camping, hiking, or playing: be aware of the terrain and its potential for flash flooding. Pay attention to weather forecasts before the outing begins and stay alert to sudden changes in weather even if no rain was forecast. If caught by inclement weather, stay out of ravines, gullies, drainage ditches or canals, etc., and return home as quickly and safely as possible.
|