Severe Weather: (lightning, high winds, flooding, heat, cold, snow)
Response
1. Heat
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Hydrate
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Monitor work/rest level
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Avoid sunshine/create shade
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Monitor health of animals
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Protect skin and eyes from UV radiation exposure by using sunblock, hat, sunglasses, etc.
2. Lightning
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Avoid contact with corded devices or electrical equipment
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Avoid contact with plumbing
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Stay away from windows
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Avoid tall objects/natural lightning rods
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Take shelter in a sturdy building
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Take shelter in an automobile. Avoid touching metal surfaces.
3. High Winds
o Move away from glass windows
o Avoid blowing debris
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Secure loose objects that may blow away
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Identify safe areas to move to incase the winds become extreme
4. Flooding
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Monitor area for rising water
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Do not drive through flooded areas
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Do not walk through moving water
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Do not park near streams or other waterways
5. Winter Storms (ice/snow/cold)
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Carry appropriate equipment in vehicle:
o Blankets
o Food and water
o Ice scraper
o Full tank of gas
o Hat and gloves
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Minimize exposure to the cold by staying indoors. Monitor weather service forecasts
o NOAA – Portland Office http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/pqr/
o Dress in layers
o Keep dry
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Open cabinet doors/office doors to allow heat to circulate in closed spaces
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Unless pre-approved, DO NOT burn materials inside of buildings to create heat (e.g. kerosene heaters, BBQs, candles)
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When working in the cold, take breaks and drink lots of water
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Campus closure will follow the procedures in Appendix E – OSU-Cascades Closure Plan.
6. Wild Fire
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Monitor advisories prior to departing on travel/field trips
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Monitor the Oregon Department of Forestry burning restrictions
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Communicate location regularly if traveling into remote areas that are susceptible to fire
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If building a fire, be prepared to properly extinguish with dirt and water
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Campus evacuation will follow the procedures in Appendix E – OSU-Cascades Emergency Operations Plan. OSU-Cascades officials will work with law-enforcement officials preceding and throughout any advisory or mandatory evacuations to ensure personnel are evacuated and that OSU-Cascades’ assets are protected.
Recovery
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Check on welfare of fellow staff/faculty/students
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Review work place for post-event damage. Contact Facilities & Operations Manager to request repair
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Review event response and adjust response plan if necessary