Handbook

Tornado

Tornados can cause severe damage and personal injury.  Most injuries are the result of flying objects and broken glass.

Public Warning

A public warning will be issued by the National Weather Service and will come over radio, television, or sirens if there is a threat within the broadcast area. If you see a tornado, hear a steady siren or your office is notified by Commonwealth, respond accordingly.

Alarm Instructions

When these severe storms are imminent, the Fire Warden will monitor local radio and emergency storm reports.

  1. When the Fire Warden receives a report from local radio/tv a tornado is in the area, he/she should notify employees to move away from windows and other exposed areas into more protected areas of the building, such as hallways, restrooms, interior rooms and stairwells.

  2. Fire Wardens should verify that employees have moved away from the windows.

  3. After the storm has passed, Fire Wardens should check the suite for injured employees, fires, or any damage caused by the storm. 

  4. If fire or damage has caused unsafe conditions in the building, the Fire Warden will proceed with a  building evacuation for the safety of all personnel.

Tornado Watch: is issued by the National Weather Service to inform the public that conditions are favorable for a tornado to develop and to be alert.

Tornado Warning: means that a tornado has actually been spotted. All persons within the tornado warning area are advised to take shelter.

Steady Siren: is a tornado signal for all persons within earshot to take immediate shelter.