Three years ago, we were in serious conversations with a popular online retailer about securing an outdoor tornado shelter following a storm that killed six people. The workers met their demise when the warehouse’s roof collapsed after being struck by an EF-3 tornado. Many companies choose against onsite tornado protection because it’s not federally required. But we take issue with shortsighted safety regulations. Simply because a potentially life-saving feature isn’t legally required doesn’t mean companies should forego life-saving steel protection. Today, a state safety task force is sponsoring legislation that could place warehouse safety standards on the books for future storms. Although the final report won’t be released for another few weeks, the proposed rules could improve onsite emergency response times and state-mandated onsite tornado safety drills. Companies investing in an outdoor tornado shelter could complement well-thought-out safety protocols while staying abreast of changing state and federal safety regulations.
Task Force Eyes Improved Safety Regulations
According to media reports, the task force will “discuss final recommendations that could encourage or require warehouses to have a designated place for shelter and require new warehouses to be built with a storm shelter.” We applaud the state’s task force in envisioning regulations that could save lives. More than 1,200 tornadoes touchdown annually. Furthermore, Tornado Alley is widening to include the Southeast and Midwest, the heart of American industrial manufacturing. Warehouse and factory workers are vulnerable to falling machinery, merchandise, and collapsing infrastructure during violent storms and tornados. Our outdoor tornado shelters can save lives, engendering confidence and loyalty with customers and employees.
“For the minimal cost that it would be for them to add something to prove to their workers that they do care and that they do want to keep them safe, I don’t think it’s too much to ask,” said Carla Cope, who lost her son during the December 2021 tornado. ““Working with the task force has given us something to focus on, something to make something positive out of what happened, even though—six people dying—it’s hard to make a positive.”
Which States Have Laws Requiring Outdoor Tornado Shelters?
Although no state has yet to adopt wide-sweeping legislation requiring onsite tornado protection, municipalities in Minnesota, Louisiana, Texas, and New York require new schools to have tornado shelters. No legislation currently exists requiring tornado shelters for existing or new businesses. While legislators are becoming more proactive in protecting students, additional work is needed for employees’ safety. Warehouse suppliers and manufacturers should always prioritize safety over profits. Company owners can strategically place our outdoor tornado shelters near egresses and emergency escape corridors without interrupting workflow operations. We also offer larger panelized safe rooms that companies can easily retrofit into warehouse floorplans without disturbing existing infrastructure. Vetted tornado shelters that meet third-party certifications and standards can increase employee productivity while protecting what matters most. Contact us today for a free quote and consultation!