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Severe Weather Safe Area Procedures


Thursday, May 21, 2009

Situation Description

In cases of severe weather such as severe thunder storms and tornadoes, it may become necessary to relocate all building occupants to Severe Weather Safe Areas within the building to protect them from flying glass or other projectiles. The principal, or the principal’s designee, acting as the IC, will be the only person authorized to order the relocation of all building occupants to the severe weather safe areas.

Determine in advance the best shelter areas in your building. Use first floor interior hallways, restrooms, and other enclosed hall areas that are located away from large glass areas or open rooms. If hallways are not suitable, use the inside wall of a room, or rooms on the opposite side of the corridor from which the storm is approaching. Do not use end rooms. The auditorium, gymnasium, cafeteria, or other large rooms are least suitable as shelters. Freespan roofs can be blown away from this type of room, and the walls may collapse. Diagram the building to determine which areas to use and the quickest way to get there.