Unpredictable Weather

Unpredictable Weather Brings More Employer Risk 

Emergency drills and practice exercises are important in preparing for emergencies, such as unpredictable weather. Weather is an important adverse event and severely affects emergency procedures. 

 Some examples of unpredictable weather are: 

• Tornadoes
• Snowstorms 
• Hurricanes 
• Dust storms 
• Droughts 
• Extreme Heat 
• High Winds 
• Wildfires
• Flooding 

 How often should employees train for an emergency response?

 All employees should be trained at least annually in emergency response plans and understand their roles within those plans. All plans should be shared with your local emergency responders but not made publicly available. Drills should be conducted no less than annually, but it is suggested at least biannually.  

 How often should the drill procedures be reviewed? 

 Weather drills should be reviewed annually or as facility policies and employees change. New hires need to be trained in plans and procedures for all emergencies. 

 Where should drill procedures be posted or saved? 

 Emergency response plans and procedures should be posted in emergency response manuals in a well-known location so all staff can review them. Weather can change in an instant, and being proactive is always preferred. If employees keep up with potential weather conditions, they can be mentally prepared if the weather deteriorates. 

 Common errors during a drill? 

 When organizations rush into performing emergency exercises and do not thoroughly plan exercises and drills, they often encounter the following problems: 

•  Often, exercises are copied from larger agencies or facilities, and the exercises are conducted without developing relevant objectives.
• Scenarios are too complex and detailed, and the scale is far too large to manage successfully. Inadequate time is allotted for after-drill interaction, so employees feel that there is no time to share any questions or concerns they may have. Often, an accurate critique of the exercise is not completed afterward.
• The emotional impact on the participants is not considered. The safety of participants is not addressed properly. 
• People are different, and they process danger, emergencies, and fear in different manners. You must know your employees. Use their strengths and know their weaknesses before an actual event occurs. By taking time and truly evaluating people in a drill, this can become a strength rather than a weakness.
• Exercise and drills are often planned and initiated too quickly without any forethought.
• After-action recommendations are oftentimes not implemented at the drill’s completion. 

References: Preparing for Emergency Drills and Exercises – EMC Ins, http://www.emcins.com/Docs/OFILib/AA083001483_20140723.PDF.