Shelter in Place

Shelter in Place

Per the Corporate Safety Committee, below are the procedures to be followed during Severe Weather conditions:

During a Severe Storm Warning, Tornado Warning – go to the closest Shelter-in-Place locations clearly marked on each floor.

SHELTER IN PLACE during a tornado warning. The safest place in our corporate office includes:

• Restroom on each floor
• Interior Stairwells
• Protected Corridors

DO NOT SHELTER during a tornado warning, at these locations:

• Exterior Rooms: Avoid offices or rooms with windows directly exposed to the outside.
• Upper Floors: The higher you are in a high-rise, the more risk from a tornado. Try to get to a lower level if possible.
• Elevators: Avoid using elevators during a tornado warning as power outages or mechanical failures might leave you trapped.
• Corners or Open Areas: Avoid areas with wide-span roofs or open spaces, such as atriums, large conference rooms, or open hallways. These spaces can potentially collapse or have flying debris during a tornado.
• Exterior Walls and Glass: Stay away from exterior walls and glass windows. Flying debris can easily break windows, causing glass shards to become dangerous projectiles.

In the event of Severe Storm Warning or Tornado Warning Issued by NWS:

• If an associate receives an alert from the National Weather Service issuing a Severe Storm Warning or Tornado Warning via MOBILE DEVICE, Corporate Communications email, eDesk Alert, associates should move quickly to the marked “Shelter In Place” location and wait for all clear.
• CC2 1^st Floor Security Desk will notify Administrative Services and Facility Manager confirmed by NWS radio of a Severe Storm Warning or Tornado Warning.
• Administrative Services will notify Department Team on-site.
• Facilities Manager will communicate via 2-way radio to Floor Captains to Shelter In Place and to use their whistle.
• Facilities Manager or Real Estate will go to Corporate Communications to send an email to Charlotte HQ advising to move quickly to the nearest marked Shelter-In-Place and wait until all clear communication to return to your work area. DO NOT EXIT THE BUILDING.

All Clear:  Facilities Manager or Administrative Services Team will communicate to Floor Captains “All Clear” for associates to return to their work area or to follow other instructions.

Definition of Severe Storm Warning / Tornado:

Severe Storm Warning –  is issued by your local National Weather Service (NWS) office based on radar data or reports from trained spotters. A severe storm is occurring or imminent in an area, and that people should take precautions to protect themselves and their property. A severe storm can produce large hail, damaging winds, heavy rain, lightning, or tornadoes.

A severe storm warning is different from a severe thunderstorm watch, which means that conditions are favorable for severe storms to develop, but they are not yet occurring.

NWS will let the public know when warning is no longer in effect.

Tornado Warning – is issued by your local National Weather Service (NWS) office when a tornado is indicated by weather radar or has been sighted or reports from trained spotters. People in the affected area should seek safe shelter immediately. The warning can be issued without a Tornado Watch being already in effect. A warning is usually issued for a duration of around 30 minutes. After the alert has been issued, the affected NWS office will follow up periodically with Severe Weather Statements.

A tornado warning is different from a tornado watch, which means conditions in the area indicate an increased risk for severe weather that may be capable of producing a tornado.

PLEASE DO NOT LEAVE THE BUILDING UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE