Disaster Preparedness
Understanding flood warnings
Major floods can cause serious damage, injuries, and death, so when flooding is possible, the National Weather Service issues watches, warnings, and advisories to alert the public. To respond appropriately, workplaces need to understand what these...Read Full Article
Portable fire extinguisher basics
Fires can be dangerous and costly, and a portable fire extinguisher can be an effective tool to help control or put out early-stage fires.Fire extinguishers are classified by the type of fire they will extinguish and include:• Class...Read Full Article
Prepare for tornado season
The Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) stresses that tornado preparedness for businesses requires a plan that includes a continuous process of gathering equipment and supplies, training workers, and practicing emergency...Read Full Article
Identify Earthquake Hazards and Vulnerabilities
Reduce damage, loss, and disruption to a business by taking the appropriate steps before an earthquake occurs. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recommends identifying workplace hazard levels and vulnerabilities. Once this is...Read Full Article
It's Cold Out There! Prevent Frostbite and Hypothermia
Cold and windy weather is an important factor in how we work outdoors in the winter months. Exposure to low temperatures is dangerous, and it’s crucial that supervisors ensure that their employees are properly prepared.Each year in the US, there are...Read Full Article
Winter driving is a significant hazard for workers
Winter weather is largely to blame for the increased threat of highway and road accidents during the colder months. Workers can be injured during trips to and from a worksite or while carrying out other tasks, so employers should stress the...Read Full Article
Prepare Your Business with a Disaster Response Plan
In the event of a devastating storm, earthquake or other natural distaster causing damage, companies should implement a disaster response plan with a business continuity component. According to a recent study, two out of three businesses do not have...Read Full Article
Know Your Fire Extinguishers
When used properly, portable fire extinguishers can save lives. Did you know not all fire extinguishers are the alike? There are three ratings for fire extinguishers, and each rating indicates which type of fire the extinguisher should be used...Read Full Article
Watch out for icy, slippery conditions
It’s January, and for a lot of regions in the US, that means tricky weather conditions. A winter storm forecast from Mother Nature can include sleet, wind, snow, and ice. Ice is great for a hockey game, but presents some problems...Read Full Article
After an Earthquake
Earthquakes can happen at any time and have the potential to damage homes, schools, bridges, and buildings. They can disrupt vital gas, electric, and phone service and even trigger landslides and fires. As workers undergo efforts to restore services...Read Full Article
Hurricane Preparedness
The peak of Atlantic Hurricane Season is August to October. Damaging winds, heavy rainfall, and power outages may occur. What can you do to prepare? Know your hurricane risk: even if you don’t live in a coastal state, rain and wind could...Read Full Article
Forest Fire Prevention
Forests are a national treasure. They provide homes to wildlife, trails for hikers to explore, along with oxygen for us to breathe. When a forest fire occurs, people, businesses, animals, and residences are in danger along with acres of trees....Read Full Article
What to Do if Stranded in a Vehicle During the Winter
If your car breaks down or you get a flat tire in cold, snowy weather, you'll likely have concerns about how to keep safe.The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has some guidance.If you’re stranded in a vehicle, stay in the vehicle....Read Full Article
Fire Safety and Prevention – Make it a Priority at Work
Preventing injuries and destruction that result from workplace fires must be a priority for you, your employer, and your colleagues. Having a fire prevention policy in place, along with choosing the right equipment to prevent and fight fires are...Read Full Article
Know How to Stay Safe in Harsh Winter Weather
Winter storms can produce a pretty snowy landscape, but also present potential hazards. Those caught in harsh weather may contend with car accidents, hypothermia, frostbite, and carbon monoxide poisoning from the extreme cold, freezing rain, snow,...Read Full Article
Keep Your Food Safe During Power Outages
After a power outage, your frozen or refrigerated food may not be safe to eat. If food is not taken care of properly when the power goes out, it must be thrown out to avoid making someone sick. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)...Read Full Article
Put an Evacuation Plan in Place
Would your employees know what to do if an evacuation was ordered at your workplace? Any emergency requiring an evacuation will be upsetting and anxiety-inducing for people. If a clear plan isn’t in place, leaving the building will be...Read Full Article
Planning Ahead for Hurricane Season
The Atlantic Hurricane Season takes place traditionally from June to November. Damaging winds, heavy rainfall, and power outages may occur. What can you do to prepare your business? Know your hurricane risk: even if you don’t live in a...Read Full Article
Hurricane Season Preparation Guidelines in Multiple Languages
The unpredictable Atlantic hurricane season begins June 1. It’s important for people who live in susceptible regions to develop an emergency plan for the events before, during, and after a hurricane.Where do you find the guidance you need in...Read Full Article
Recovery and Clean-Up After a Flood
Rain is an essential part of growing crops, trees, and grass, but too much of it isn’t necessarily a good thing. Elevated water levels can be very destructive to land and property, and unfortunately, the effects can be long-lasting.Floods are...Read Full Article
Steps for Tornado Recovery
The National Severe Storms Laboratory (NSSL) reports that around 1,200 tornados strike the US annually. Most tornados form out of severe thunderstorms or hurricanes and have winds that can exceed 300 miles per hour. While the average tornado itself...Read Full Article
The Importance of Layering Clothing in Cold Environments
Proper layering helps you make the most of your cold weather clothing and prevents dangerous exposure. By helping maintain your core body heat, this strategy is great for not only cold weather months, but also working indoors without heat or in a...Read Full Article
Evacuate Safely When Disaster Strikes
Hot summer weather is responsible for an increase in natural disasters, from dry conditions sparking forest fires to warmer seas making hurricanes more likely. Every disaster is different, so having a plan and knowing when to evacuate are crucial...Read Full Article
Celebrate National Preparedness Month This September
Unless you live in an area with a recurring or recent history of disaster, you might not think about the possibility often. But severe weather and earthquakes can happen anywhere, even in regions where those conditions aren’t typical. Preparing for...Read Full Article
Understanding the National Weather Service Tornado Alert System
A tornado is one of the most destructive weather events and requires a comprehensive and efficient system of alerts and shelters to keep people safe. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) recorded 1,341 tornadoes in 2022,...Read Full Article
How to Practice Lockout-Tagout Procedures Before a Weather Disaster
Lockout/tagout procedures are necessary for both routine and emergency maintenance on equipment and systems, in order to protect workers from unexpected energy discharge, electrocution, or machine functioning. They should also be followed before a...Read Full Article
