April 11, 2019 – Tornado’s Don’t Care: Emergency Preparedness & Business Continuity Strategies

Greetings Safety Council Members!

Our next meeting is Thursday, April 11, 2019, 11:30am-1:00pm, at the Ravenna Elks Club which is located at 776 N Freedom St in Ravenna.  The official meeting notice is attached.

Our topic for this month is…

Tornado’s Don’t Care: Emergency Preparedness & Business Continuity Strategies, presented by Cody Brookover, Deputy Director, Portage County Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Management.

  • Tis’ the season, tornadoes can cause catastrophic loss. What are you doing to prepare?
  • Is there a best way to prepare? What measures have currently been taken? Are they adequate?
  • How does your business continuity procedures mesh with operational aspects of severe weather impacts?

Cody is the Deputy Director of the Portage County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management. Cody came to Portage County in 2016 after serving 8 years on active duty in the Marine Corps, deploying internationally to combat zones and disaster sites with specialized security and response forces. He is a certified A.L.I.C.E active shooter response instructor, security instructor, and has an advanced degree in management.

This training is ideal for safety managers, human resources & emergency preparedness staff!

Come enjoy a delicious meal catered by “Guido’s”. Cost for lunch is still just $15/person for members and $20 for non-members. ($5 fee will be charge for walk-ins including members who do not RSVP by deadline). Please note: no shows will be invoiced.

Please RSVP no later than 12pm on Monday, April 8, 2019.

CLICK HERE TO RSVP NOW

Please make your check payable to: “Portage County Safety Council.” Cost for lunch is still just $15/person for members and $20 for non-members (there’s a $5 fee for walk-ins including members who do not RSVP by deadline).

This Meeting is Sponsored By Ving!

Ving logo

Tornado Safety: May 2018 Safety & Hygiene Corner

Provided by the Ohio BWC safety consultants.

Q: What should I consider when selecting a Shelter-in-Place/ Tornado Shelter location at work?

We are entering tornado season which usually runs spring through summer.   Do you know where to shelter at work if there were a tornado right now?  Is the room large enough to accommodate your employees and any visitors?  What is a business required to do?

OSHA’s shelter in place guidance recommends the following:

  • Select interior room(s) above the ground floor, with the fewest windows or vents.
  • The room(s) should have adequate space for everyone to be able to sit. Avoid overcrowding by selecting several rooms if necessary.
  • Large storage closets, utility rooms, pantries, copy and conference rooms without exterior windows will work well.
  • Avoid selecting a room with mechanical equipment like ventilation blowers or pipes, because this equipment may not be able to be sealed from the outdoors.

Many businesses will use rest rooms that are on interior walls.  Interior stair wells away from windows on the lowest level will also work.   If you need assistance with your shelter in place procedure you can review the document links below.

https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/etools/evacuation/eap.html

https://www.fema.gov/fema-p-320-taking-shelter-storm-building-safe-room-your-home-or-small-business

https://www.ready.gov/shelter