Severe Weather

Severe Weather: (lightning, high winds, flooding, heat, cold, snow)

Response

1.  Heat

  • Hydrate
  • Monitor work/rest level
  • Avoid sunshine/create shade
  • Monitor health of animals
  • Protect skin and eyes from UV radiation exposure by using sunblock, hat, sunglasses, etc.

2.  Lightning

  • Avoid contact with corded devices or electrical equipment
  • Avoid contact with plumbing
  • Stay away from windows
  • Avoid tall objects/natural lightning rods
  • Take shelter in a sturdy building
  • Take shelter in an automobile. Avoid touching metal surfaces.

3.  High Winds

  • Seek shelter indoors

         o Move away from glass windows
         o Avoid blowing debris

  • Secure loose objects that may blow away
  • Identify safe areas to move to incase the winds become extreme

4. Flooding

  • Monitor area for rising water
  • Do not drive through flooded areas
  • Do not walk through moving water
  • Do not park near streams or other waterways

5.  Winter Storms (ice/snow/cold)

  • Carry appropriate equipment in vehicle:

        o Blankets
        o Food and water
        o Ice scraper
        o Full tank of gas
        o Hat and gloves

  • Minimize exposure to the cold by staying indoors. Monitor weather service forecasts

        o NOAA – Portland Office  http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/pqr/

  • Dress appropriately

        o Dress in layers
        o Keep dry

  • Open cabinet doors/office doors to allow heat to circulate in closed spaces
  • Unless pre-approved, DO NOT burn materials inside of buildings to create heat (e.g. kerosene heaters, BBQs, candles)
  • When working in the cold, take breaks and drink lots of water
  • Campus closure will follow the procedures in Appendix E – OSU-Cascades Closure Plan.

6.  Wild Fire

  • Monitor advisories prior to departing on travel/field trips
  • Monitor the Oregon Department of Forestry burning restrictions
  • Communicate location regularly if traveling into remote areas that are susceptible to fire
  • If building a fire, be prepared to properly extinguish with dirt and water
  • 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

  • Check on welfare of fellow staff/faculty/students
  • Review work place for post-event damage. Contact Facilities & Operations Manager to request repair
  • Review event response and adjust response plan if necessary