Severe Weather
When severe weather conditions become apparent, the U.S. Weather Bureau describes conditions by two (2) classifications, a Watch or a Warning. This applies to the reporting of severe thunderstorms, the approach of weather conditions favoring the formation of tornadoes, a hurricane condition, a winter storm condition, etc. A Watch becomes effective when atmospheric conditions are right to produce the particular weather phenomenon. A Warning means that the weather condition has been spotted and prompt action must be taken for safety.
In the event these conditions do exist, keep radios or televisions tuned to local news and weather reports. The following guidelines should be kept in mind:
Tornadoes occur in many parts of the world and in all 50 states. Tornado frequency is at its peak in April, May and June. The potential threat is most dangerous in the continental plains and along the Gulf Coast of the United States.
NOTE: Most tornadoes last only four or five minutes.
Tornado Watches
Are issued by the National Weather Service for areas threatened by tornadoes and severe thunderstorms. These watches specify a time period and area where tornado probabilities are highest. During a watch, look for threatening weather and stay tuned to radio and television for more information.
Tornado Warnings
Are issued by local National Weather Service offices when a tornado has been sighted or indicated by radar. Warnings describe the area that could be affected. If a WARNING is issued, take cover immediately.
Where to Go
Stay away from windows, glass doorways and outside walls. Close doors to the exterior offices and go to interior small rooms or into inside hallways. Protect your head and crouch down making yourself as small a target as possible.
After the Storm
An earthquake is caused by a sudden slip on a fault. Stresses in the earth’s outer layer push the sides of a fault together. Eventually enough stress builds up and the rocks slip suddenly, releasing energy waves that cause the shaking we feel during an earthquake.
Earthquakes come in clusters. In any earthquake cluster, the largest one is called the main shock; anything before it is called a foreshock and anything after is called an aftershock. We must be prepared for aftershocks and the damages they can cause.
These procedures are designed to assist in preparing for an earthquake before it occurs and provide guidelines to follow during the disaster. Preparedness is the key to safety and a quick recovery.
Before The Earthquake
Mitigation
Non-structural hazards must be identified and every effort must be made to correct potentially dangerous situations. This includes securing furniture such as book cases, wall units or other items that could fall and injure someone or block an evacuation route. In some cases, this may not be feasible. For this reason, awareness of these problems is of the utmost importance.
Assess Your Work Area
DURING THE EARTHQUAKE
During an earthquake you will be safer inside the building than you are outside.
If you do feel a tremor, you should: Duck, Cover, and Hold.
DUCK - Duck or drop down to the floor.
COVER - Take cover under a sturdy desk, table or other furniture. If that is not possible, seek cover against an interior wall and protect your head and neck with your arms. Avoid danger spots near windows, hanging objects, mirrors or tall furniture.
HOLD - If you take cover under a sturdy piece of furniture, hold on to it and be prepared to move with it. Hold the position until the ground stops shaking and it is safe to move.
DO NO ENTER OR EXIT the building during the shaking. There is danger of falling glass and debris.
DO NOT USE THE ELEVATORS. Elevators will automatically move to the next floor in direction of travel and open.
IF YOU ARE OUTDOORS, move away from buildings, falling objects, and power lines.
AFTER THE EARTHQUAKE
BE PREPARED FOR AFTERSHOCKS. If you are outside, do not return to your office until authorized. CHECK FOR INJURIES and administer first aid if necessary (and if qualified). Do not move victims unless absolutely necessary.
REPLACE TELEPHONE HANDSETS that have been shaken off, but do not use the telephones except to report fires or medical emergencies.
DO NOT USE ELEVATORS. When exiting, make sure that the exit is safe to use.
Earthquake Evacuation
DO NOT USE ELEVATORS
What If You Are in an Elevator
When Should You Go Home?
Before a tropical storm or hurricane enters the Gulf of Mexico there are some guidelines on how to protect yourselves, your premises and contents.
Always keep the contact information for your firm’s Floor Wardens and emergency contacts up to date with the property management office. This will insure timely contacts from property management, giving you important emergency information.
Should your firm require on-site personnel during the storm, advise them to maintain an inventory of emergency equipment to be used to include but not be limited to the following:
Please note that Brookfield reserves the right to close the building for your safety, absent a governmental directive. In either instance, it is very important that all building occupants take the following steps prior to leaving:
Brookfield will maintain limited staffing at the property throughout this event. We are fully prepared to take appropriate actions, which includes but is not limited to the following:
Please note we will utilize the LiveSafe emergency alert system to advise tenant contacts and other designated emergency contacts of important developments should the need arise.