5 Tips To Prepare Your Business In Forsyth County For Tornado Season

3/24/2023 (Permalink)

Weather.gov is a great resource to view your area's current and historical weather here in Forsyth County, GA.

As tornado season approaches, it is important for those in Forsyth County to be prepared. Businesses of all sizes must be ready for the unpredictability of severe weather and the possibility of a tornado occurring. With some simple steps, businesses can ensure they are ready and protected from any potential danger. In this article, we will provide five tips to help prepare your business in Forsyth County for tornado season.

The severity of tornadoes varies greatly, and it is essential for businesses to understand the necessary precautions that should be taken when a warning has been issued. Preparation can mean the difference between life and death for those in the path of a tornado. It’s crucial to have an emergency plan in place that keeps employees safe and minimizes commercial property damage if a tornado does occur.

With these five tips, businesses in Forsyth County will have everything they need to protect their livelihoods from the threat of tornadoes this season. By following these precautions, you can rest assured that your business is as prepared as possible should disaster strike.

Understand The Risks

It's important for businesses in Forsyth County to understand the risks associated with tornado season. Tornadoes can cause extensive damage, so it's essential to be prepared. Knowing the potential risks is the first step to protecting your business.

Start by researching the tornado history of your area and understanding what types of tornadoes have been reported in Forsyth County. You should also look up information about current weather patterns and climate conditions that could lead to tornadoes. This will help you understand how severe they could potentially be if they occur in your area during this season.

You should also familiarize yourself with what type of structures are vulnerable to tornado damage, such as mobile homes or buildings with weak foundations like external storage sheds. Having an understanding of which structures are most at risk can help you better prepare your business for a potential tornado. With this knowledge, you can take actionable steps to ensure your business is safe from tornado-related damage.

By taking these precautions now, you'll be able to more effectively protect and secure your business from any potential harm that may come during tornado season here in Forsyth County.

Develop An Emergency Plan

Now that you have a better understanding of the risks associated with tornado season in Forsyth County, it's important to develop an emergency plan. This plan should contain steps that you and your employees can take to stay safe when a tornado is approaching or already on the ground. It should also address how you will respond if your business suffers damage from a tornado.

First, make sure that all employees are aware of their roles and responsibilities during a tornado warning or event. You should also create an evacuation plan so that everyone knows where they need to go in the event of a tornado. Include designated meeting spots both inside and outside the building so that everyone knows to gather there after evacuating. Additionally, it's important to do regular drills to practice this evacuation plan.

In addition, consider creating an emergency kit for your business that includes items like bottled water, flashlights, non-perishable food items, blankets, first aid supplies and any other necessary items for sustained periods away from the business premises. It's also important to have contact information for local emergency services and list any medical needs of employees that may require special attention in the event of an emergency situation due to a tornado.

By taking these precautions now, you can help ensure that your business is prepared for any potential tornadoes during the season ahead.

Secure Property And Equipment

It's important to secure property and equipment during tornado season. To do this, you need to make sure that all external windows are closed and locked. Secure furniture, computers, and other equipment by anchoring them to the walls or floors, if possible. Move any items that could become projectiles in strong winds inside your building or a secure storage area.

You also need to prepare for power outages by having a backup generator on hand. This will ensure that essential systems such as lighting, communications, and security can remain operational even when the power is off. Additionally, check all of your emergency supplies and restock if necessary. This should include flashlights with extra batteries, non-perishable food items, first aid kits, and plenty of bottled water.

Finally, prepare your staff for severe weather warnings by training them on what to do in case of an emergency such as a tornado. Make sure they know where to take shelter in the building or outside if needed as well as who is responsible for notifying emergency services. It's also important to have a plan for communicating with employees after the storm has passed so everyone can be accounted for quickly and easily.

Train Employees On Safety Procedures

It's important to train employees on safety procedures during tornado season in Forsyth County. Every office should have an emergency plan that outlines what staff should do if a tornado is approaching. The plan should include steps such as where to go and how to respond. All employees should be familiar with the plan and know how to execute it in case of an emergency.

Additionally, all staff should be trained on the basics of tornado safety. This includes understanding what a tornado watch and warning mean, knowing when to seek shelter, and understanding how to stay safe if caught outdoors during a storm. Employees should also be aware of the risks associated with severe weather conditions so they can make informed decisions about their safety during a tornado event.

Finally, employers should provide employees with access to resources such as online courses or materials that explain proper tornado safety protocols. By making sure everyone is properly trained and knowledgeable about emergency plans, businesses in Forsyth County can be better prepared for any potential storms during tornado season.

Stay Informed Of Weather Alerts 

It is essential to stay on top of weather alerts in order to prepare your business in Forsyth County for tornado season. Monitoring local news outlets and signing up for emergency alert notifications can help keep you informed. Additionally, familiarizing yourself with the local warning systems and how they are activated is a critical step in staying ahead of severe weather occurrences.

The National Weather Service provides detailed information about current weather conditions and the potential for severe weather outbreaks. They use various tools such as radar and satellite imagery to identify impending storms and will issue warnings if necessary. Monitor their website or social media accounts for updates that could impact your business operations.

It is also beneficial to have a plan in place to inform employees of any impending danger from severe storms or tornadoes. Establishing an emergency alert system, such as text message or email alerts, to communicate quickly with staff during severe weather events can be instrumental in reducing risk and ensuring everyone's safety.

By staying informed with regular updates from reliable sources, ensuring everyone is aware of safety protocols and having an emergency alert system ready to deploy, your business will be well-prepared for tornado season in Forsyth County.