Natural Disasters and Severe Weather Events

Inform employees about project or office closings and openings and how they can request personal assistance
- Note: the Turner Crisis Help Line can be utilized as an update/reverse notification system for employees. Connect with local Information Services or Risk Management to arrange.
Prior to a hurricane or other expected event, set up calls with the Headquarters Crisis Management team to review planning efforts

Conduct a subcontractor debrief on possible work stoppage and communicate how they will be contacted moving forward.

Maintain an updated list of emergency contacts who can support disaster recovery such as abatement contractors, industrial hygienists, temporary power providers, other business units, etc.

Secure all cranes, including lowering mobile crane booms to the ground
Shut off all power supplies, turn off all temporary water sources
Secure/strap down all material, check all tie downs on office trailers
Secure/strap down portable toilets and move to higher ground if flooding is possible
If necessary, have appropriate de-watering equipment delivered to the site and secured
Check all area and street storm sewer gratings to ensure they are free of debris and protected against runoff from the project
If necessary, have emergency generators delivered and secured
Secure all blueprints, permits, inspection logs and other critical documents
Back up all computers and validate access from remote location
Review and update as necessary emergency telephone lists
Broom clean project site and remove trash
If appropriate, cover all windows and openings with plywood
Secure all gates and enclosures

Assign responsibility to monitor jobsite or office periodically
Assess the need for a directive to take shelter, or for a partial or full evacuation

Place large or heavy objects (tools, material, equipment, etc.) on floor and away from openings
In offices, place heavy items such as pictures and mirrors away from chairs, couches and anywhere people sit
Identify safe places in the building: against inside walls, away from windows where glass could shatter or where heavy objects could fall
If outdoors, locate safe places in the open away from buildings, trees, telephone and electric lines, overpasses or elevated expressways
Be prepared for aftershocks; these can often cause additional damage or bring weakened structures down

Hurricanes are most likely to occur from June through November. Tornadoes can occur throughout the year.

Follow the procedures outlined in TKN/Safety/Hurricane Preparedness
Monitor weather conditions as necessary
Understand the difference between a “tornado watch,” which means that conditions are right for a tornado and a “tornado warning,” which means that a tornado has been sighted on radar
Designate an area in the building where all employees can go in the event of a tornado watch or warning
In the event of a tornado, sound tornado alarm system and direct all personnel to the pre-determined safe area
- The best protection is in an underground shelter or a concrete building. If these are not available, an interior hallway or stairwell may be a good alternative.