During severe weather, you are safer within the building than outside. Severe weather is monitored by on-site security personnel. In the event of severe weather, and if time permits, one or more of the following messages will be announced via the public address system:
- General Alert
“May I have your attention please. May I have your attention please. The National Weather Service has issued a tornado warning for Dallas County. Please stay tuned to local radio or TV for more specific weather information. Be alert to changing weather conditions. Be prepared to relocate to the fire stairwells, interior corridors or restrooms without further notice. Consult with your fire warden, if you have questions. Thank you.” (Repeated twice)
- Take Immediate Action
“May I have your attention please. May I have your attention please. A tornado has been sited in our immediate area. At this time all personnel should move to fire stairwells, interior corridors or restrooms. Do not attempt to leave the building. Stay away from exterior windows, lower lobbies and arcade areas. Stand by for further weather information. Thank you.” (Repeated twice)
- Severe Weather Has Dissipated
“May I have your attention please. May I have your attention please. Weather conditions in our area appear to have improved. You may return to your normal duties. Please stay tuned to local radio or TV for further weather updates. Be alert to changing weather conditions. Thank you. (Repeated twice)
Tornado
By definition, a tornado warning is an alert by the National Weather Service confirming a tornado sighting and location. The Weather Service will announce the approximate time of detection and direction of movement. Wind will be blowing at a speed of 75 MPH, or greater.
A public warning will be broadcasted by radio or television. If available, tune to radio or television when you hear the City of Irving’s Civil Defense Warning System activate. Because of the speed and rapid development of this type of emergency, there may not be time for you to implement the procedure below.
Therefore, it is of paramount importance that you train your employees on the following action steps:
FIRE WARDEN AND EMPLOYEE PROCEDURES:
- IN OFFICE
- Remain calm.
- Get away from the perimeter of the building and exterior glass.
- Leave your exterior office - close the door.
- Go to the center corridor of your suite or core areas of the building (restrooms, common interior hall-ways, or fire stairwells).
- Sit down and protect yourself by putting your head as close to your lap as possible, or kneel protecting your head.
- If you are caught in an outside perimeter office, seek protection under a desk.
- IN TRANSIT IN THE BUILDING
- Remain calm.
- Utilize a stairwell or corridor for shelter.
- Get away from the perimeter of the building and exterior glass.
- Do not go to the first floor lobby, atriums, or outside the building.
- Do not attempt to leave the property.
- Building and emergency personnel will arrive to help as soon as possible.