NGPC Intranet

Spring and Summer Weather Reminders

THUNDERSTORMS

Being struck by lightning or large hail are the primary dangers during a thunderstorm, although heavy rainfall could result in a flooding or flash flood event.

In the event of a thunderstorm, seek shelter inside a closed building-porches, pavilions, and park shelters do not protect from lightning. Once inside, stay away from windows, skylights and doors; avoid contact with water, using electrical equipment, and corded telephones. Monitor weather on a NOAA weather radio. Be prepared with flashlights, water, etc., in the event power is lost. Notify others to take cover immediately in a safe structure, as identified at each NGPC area.

If you are caught outside:

Take shelter when you see dark clouds or lightning or hear thunder.

• If you are caught in an area without shelter, avoid lying flat on the ground. Crouch down in a ball-like position with your head tucked and hands over your ears while minimizing contact with the ground.
• Avoid elevated areas such as hills or peaks and never shelter under           an isolated tree.
• Get off bicycles, motorcycles, scooters or other small vehicles.
• If you’re in the water, head for shore immediately and avoid metal objects. Water and metal can both carry an electrical current.
• If you’re in a group of people, spread out.
• Watch out for any downed power or utility lines that could injure you or others.
• Lastly, don’t forget the 30-30 rule to determine the threat of lighting. Count the seconds between seeing lighting and hearing thunder. If this time is less than 30 seconds, the lighting is close enough to be a threat. Once the storm has passed, check on others and the work area to look for any new safety hazards that may have resulted from the storm and mitigate them.

FLOODING

Staying informed is critical in heavy rain events, as flooding can occur very rapidly, as in the case of flash floods.  A flood warning means flooding is either happening or will happen shortly.

• Advise others of the flood warning to make sure they are aware, including co-workers, supervisor and visitors as you are able.
• Move immediately to higher ground or stay on higher ground.
• Evacuate if directed to do so.
• Avoid walking or driving through flood waters.
• Report all flooded areas to your supervisor.
• If you find yourself trapped by rising flood waters, contact 911 for rescue.

HIGH WIND WARNINGS

If high winds are forecasted or announced, take the proper precautions to make sure that you, your co-workers and the public remain safe.

• Re-schedule and avoid doing activities such as burning, boating, doing outdoor elevated tasks using ladders or high reaching equipment such as tree-trimming, painting, etc.
• Put away or tie down items that could blow over or away or otherwise cause danger or pose safety hazards to people and property.
• Be sure to securely tie down any loads in the backs of trucks, on trailers, etc.
• Be wary of high-profile vehicles on roadways, especially highways and interstates, as the winds may cause them to cross lanes, or even tip over.
• Once the winds have gone down, inspect your location and worksites to address any new safety hazards that might be a result of wind damage-such as downed or hanging tree limbs, power lines, gutters, etc.

TORNADOES

Be weather ready! Listen to the news or a NOAA weather radio.  Sign up for notifications, know how your community sends warnings. Some communities have outdoor sirens, others depend on media and smart phones to alert people. Supervisors should have a communications plan with your staff, make sure everyone knows the location of tornado shelters/safe rooms or structures.

Tornado Watch: Be prepared! Tornadoes are possible in the and near the watch area. Contact area staff, review and discuss your emergency plans, check your supplies and safe room. Be ready to act quickly if a warning is issued or you suspect a tornado is approaching. Acting early helps save lives! Reach out to campers and other visitors to let them know the location is in a tornado watch and where they can go to seek shelter if needed.

Tornado Warning: Take Action! A tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar.  There is imminent danger to life and property.   If you are in a tornado warning, notify employees and visitors as best as you can. Seek shelter inside a tornado shelter or sturdy building immediately if a tornado is approaching. Go to a basement, safe room or room away from windows quickly and calmly.  Large rooms and open buildings, sheds and storage facilities are not safe. Neither is a camper, mobile home, tent or vehicle. If you are unable to make it to a safe shelter, either get down in your car and cover your head; or abandon your car and find a low-lying area such as a ditch or ravine and cover your head.

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