Is your workforce ready NC Severe Weather Preparedness Week? The statewide severe weather information campaign began March 3 and peaks on Wednesday with a statewide tornado drill at 9:30 am – so don’t punch in late unless you want to get ribbed all week for missing the companywide paid “retreat” (hopefully managers won’t make their employees clock out for the drill!). While tornadoes dominate headlines for destruction and carnage almost weekly, thunderstorms are deceivingly dangerous. Nearly 50 thunderstorms strike North Carolina annually, and more than 10 percent are severe. The annual public safety initiative has excellent timing. Another line of severe storms is scheduled for the region Monday night into Wednesday afternoon.
Thunderstorms Threaten Jobsites
Most Carolina construction breaks ground in early March when thunderstorm activity kicks into higher gear. While thunderstorms are dangerous for every industry and sector, construction zones and manufacturing facilities pose significant risks. Most industrial settings don’t have jobsite tornado shelters because of the temporary nature of the work; instead, they rely on mobile work office trailers, which are poorly constructed for 250-mile-per-hour winds and damaging debris. Moreover, thunderstorm destruction rivals tornadoes. Severe thunderstorms pack heavy winds, torrential rains, and damaging hail. Jobsite tornado shelter rentals provide steel-proven protection against Mother Nature’s worst forces.
Tips for Worker Safety During Severe Weather Peak Season
- Monitor Weather Reports and enable mobile storm alerts
- Secure building materials and scaffolding with severe weather on the horizon
- Compile emergency contact information from all employees
- Rehearse emergency preparedness drills and evacuation orders
- Clearly display site evacuation diagrams
- Store extra fuels for generators, but not exceeding 25 gallons unless kept in flammable storage locker.
- Stockpile medical supplies for first-aid kits
- Inventory flashlights, batteries, and emergency lighting
- Provide extra personal protective equipment in shelter
Jobsite Tornado Shelters
Jobsite tornado shelters aren’t just twisters. Severe thunderstorm winds rival tornadoes and can produce more widespread damage than localized funnel clouds. Furthermore, thunderstorms can unleash heavy hail, damaging vulnerable personnel and equipment. With a widening Tornado Alley including North Carolina, severe storms and tornadoes could soon outrival sunny days. Our steel panelized tornado shelters protect all sized workforces and industries without interrupting workflows. We will quickly ship a jobsite tornado shelter to your construction zone, manufacturing facility or warehouse for turnkey protection.
