PREPARED BY SE RDMT

TORNADO EVACUATION PLAN(TEP)

Objectives• To prepare members of a congregation in the

event of a tornado• To establish evacuation precautionary protocol

during services• To raise awareness about the gravity of situations

involving natural disasters, especially tornadoes• To encourage the application of TEP in the

members’ homes

3 out of every 4 tornadoes in the world happen in the United

States.The United States has an average of 800 tornadoes

every year.In 1974, there were 90

tornadoes in the U.S. in one day.

Over the last 50 years in the United States, tornadoes have caused approximately 9,000 deaths.

Tornadoes can attain wind speeds of over 300 mph.

Apartment Complexes… demolished.

Cities… ruined.

Businesses… destroyed.

Background• Few recent volatile and active tornado seasons have

occurred in SE regiono April 2011- the largest and the fourth deadliest

tornado outbreak in United States history 4 confirmed EF5 tornadoes in this outbreak

causing 324 fatalities 136 fatalities in Tuscaloosa and Birmingham

o January 2012- several tornadoes formed over Arkansas, Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, and Alabama during the overnight hours

The Path to the TEP

Shared with Local

Leadership

1st TEP draft from fire-exit

plan

City/County Officials Endorse

TEP

Consulted with

FOCUS Program Officer

Meeting with Structural Engineer

IDEA

TEP

Revisions with

Architect

GASC

NCTN

KY

ALMS

Understanding Tornadoes/Facts

Understanding Tornado Watches and Warnings

Tornado Watch:•Issued when the conditions have created a significant risk of a tornado occurring •May be upgraded to a tornado warning, if conditions worsen

Tornado Warning:•Issued by weather services or local authorities indicating that the conditions have escalated and are severe

o Thunderstorms and tornadoes imminent•Some cities may use tornado sirens to alert people of the danger•Emergency Alert System (EAS)

o A national warning system in the United States put into place in 1997

Tornado Safe Zones and Positions

• Volunteers will play a crucial role in evacuationo Should familiarize themselves with all Safe Zoneso Should be aware of the shortest possible evacuation routes

• In Fire Emergency, members should be evacuated away from the building/source of fire

• In Tornado Emergency, members need to be ushered to designated Safe Zones

Safe Zone (Structurally)•Area deemed to offer the greatest protection from tornadoes

o Likelihood of injuries/fatalities is significantly decreased in these areas compared to other areas of the building

Unsafe Zone (Structurally)•Not specifically designed as tornado safe zones

o Higher probability of severe injuries or deaths

Tornado Safe Zones and Positions

Tornado Evacuation PlanCommunication protocol:The congregation leadership/stakeholders may develop a structure (own chain of command) and be prepared in case a tornado impacts the house of worship during services. These officials will assume the role of providing emergency response and coordinating their efforts with arriving emergency officials for a smooth transition of responsibility.

Triage Area:Triage area at the facility of the tornado strike will primarily be the nearest safe zone or the nearest secondary safe zone as per the TEP drawings of the given facility. In the case where the entire facility is damaged, triage area will be set up in the parking lot away from the building. (Help to be sought from the structural engineer during the review process to further solidify the triage location).

The phones (land lines) are located in _________________.

First Aid boxes are located in _____________________________.

Fire Extinguishers are located in __________________________.

Tornado Drill

Definition•a method of practicing to take cover in a specified location (safe zone) in the event that a tornado strikes an area

Tornado Sirens:•commonly used to alert people in case of an emergency at which time building occupants proceed to a designated “safe zone” and assume a protective position

Tornado DrillHouse of Worship•Announcement prior to the drill•Drill will be demonstrated to the members•Members will then be requested to perform this drill under the directions and supervision of the drill conductor and designated volunteers

The Three Major Steps of the Drill1.Evacuate/Secure (congregation is led to nearest Safe Zone)2.Drop (crouching position)3.Cover (protect head and neck with arms or a sturdy object, ex: a book)

Tornado DrillDrop and Cover Position

Precautions After A TornadoMonitor weather continuously•Battery-powered radio/television for emergency information

Move around with extreme caution•Structures may be dangerously damaged

Wear appropriate clothing when handling or walking near debris•Sturdy shoes or boots, long sleeves, and gloves

Be aware of hazardous debris •Exposed nails, broken glass, etc.

Do not touch potentially harmful objects•Report gas lines, downed power lines, objects in contact with downed lines, or other electrical hazards to the police and the utility company

Precautions After A TornadoAvoid candles

• Use battery-powered lanterns

Hang up displaced telephone receivers• Stay off the telephone, except in the case to

report emergency

Cooperate fully with public safety officials• Assist police, fire fighters, emergency

management and relief organizations

Never go near damaged areas• Could hamper relief efforts

Q&A