Severe Weather and Natural Disasters
The U.S. Weather Service reports the movement of severe weather that may present a threat to metropolitan areas. Tenants have the option to evacuate or stay in the building during a severe weather alert. If your company decides to evacuate the building, notify the Incident Commander of your intention to do so. If the U.S. Weather Service gives an early alert and a decision is made to remain in the building, specific steps can be taken to prepare for the severe weather.
Tenants should maintain an inventory of first aid and emergency supplies to use in case of severe weather.
Notify the management office of all leaks, fires, and structural or other damage during or after the storm.
If informed by the U.S. Weather Service that severe weather is imminent, follow the steps below:
- Move to the core areas of the building
- Take cover in an interior hallway
- Stay away from doors and windows
- Close perimeter doors behind you
Major Natural Disasters
Disasters and emergencies affecting large areas can sometimes develop quickly. Flash floods and earthquakes, for example, can strike with little or no warning. Perhaps the most basic thing to remember is to KEEP CALM. In the event of a disaster or emergency: Keep your radio or television set tuned to hear weather reports and forecasts (issued by The National Weather Service) as well as other information and advice that your local government may broadcast. Use your telephone only to report disaster events to the Minneapolis Police Department or the Minneapolis Fire Department, depending on the nature of the emergency, and to Property Management. If you tie up phone lines to get information, you may prevent emergency calls from being completed. Stay away from the disaster area. Follow the advice and instructions of the authorities in charge.
Public Utility Duties
Auxiliary Power - Center Point Energy has provided primary power. During disasters that cause loss of primary power, the Power Company will work to restore service as quickly as possible. Customers with critical energy power requirements should consider using auxiliary generators or surge protectors.
Telephone Service
Telephone service may be interrupted during severe weather. Telephone companies are capable of installing emergency service lines for customers who have compatible switching equipment. Customers requiring emergency service should ask their telephone representative for specific information.
Building Duties
The Building Staff will take the following actions:
- Frequent contact will be maintained with the U.S. Weather Service.
- Building Patrols will be performed continually by the security officer on duty, the property manager, and the engineering staff to monitor building damage.
- Emergency repairs will be made when weather permits.
- A thorough search for safety hazards will be conducted.
- Constant communication will be maintained with Public Utilities until all disrupted services are restored.
Tornado
By definition, a tornado warning is an alert by the National Weather Service confirming a tornado sighting and location. Keep a radio tuned in to hear whether the Weather Service will announce the approximate time of detection and direction of movement. In the Event of a Tornado Warning: REMAIN CALM. Stay away from the interior perimeter of the building and all exterior glass. Leave your exterior office and close the door. Go to an enclosed stairwell and move to the basement level, if time permits and it's safe to do so. Sit down on the stairs or the core area and protect yourself by putting your head as close to your lap as possible, or kneel to protect your head. If you are trapped in an outside office, seek protection under a desk or sturdy table. Keep your own radio or TV set tuned to a local station for the latest updates.
Water Interruption
A temporary interruption of the water supply may cause disruptions to building services. Without water, it is not possible to maintain sanitary conditions or building cooling systems. Additionally, water interruption limits the Fire Department’s ability to extinguish fires.