Module 6: Weather Safety

A tornado is a violently rotating column of air touching the ground, usually attached to the base of a thunderstorm, according to the National Weather Service. Tornadoes can result in death and destruction of an entire neighborhood in a matter of seconds. They typically develop very rapidly, and one misconception is that tornadoes only occur during "tornado season", which is typically from April to September. They can form in any month of the year if the conditions are right. There are about 1,000 tornadoes each year in the U.S. Wind speeds can be as high as 300 mph, and often there is large hail involved. For survivor stories, click here.

A "Tornado Watch" means current weather conditions could lead to a tornado. Be prepared. Have a plan and be ready to act quickly.

A "Tornado Warning" means a torndado has been spotted by weather radar and is occurring at this time or expected to occur soon. There is imminent danger to life and property. Take action now! Get to the nearest building/structure immediately. Seek refuge in the safest place possible - a basement, storm cellar, or an interior room on the lowest floor with no windows, if possible. 

If you're outside and cannot get to a sturdy building, get down in your car/vehicle and cover your head, or abandon your vehicle and seek shelter is a low lying area such as a ditch or raving.

Acting quickly is the key to staying safe!

Resources

• National Weather Service - Tornadoes
• National Severe Storms Laboratory - Tornado Basics

Lightning strikes in the U.S. occur about 25 million times a year! Most occurs in the summer months, but people can be struck at any time of the year. According to the National Weather Service, about 20 people are killed by lightning each year, and hundreds more are severly injured. Thunder is an indication that lightning may be in the area. 

• Seek shelter is a substantial building or vehicle immediately.
• Avoid open areas, but also stay away from isolated tall trees or other structures.
• Avoid metal structures or components, such as wires or fencing.

Resources

NWS's Lightning Brochure

NWS Missoula - Lighting Safety Tips (video)

A flash flood is when a flood-prone area suddenly occurs due to weather events in the immediate area, or possibly from a weather event in another location (such as upstream).

Flash Flood Warning

A "flash flood warning" means rapid flooding is imminent or occurring now. Take action! Move to higher ground, if necessary. 

Flood Advisory

A "flood advisory" is issued when there is a specific weather event in the forcast that may become a nuisance or a significant inconvenience. It's not expected to be as bad as a warning, however, it could lead to situations that threaten life and/or property. Be aware!

Flood Watch

A "flood watch" is issued when conditions are favorable for a specific hazardous weather event to occur. Flooding is possible. Be prepared.

National Weather Service guidance for floods includes:

• Staying informed to local radio and television stations, including the internet or social media platforms.
• Get to higher ground.
• Obey evacuation orders, if issued. Lock your home when you leave. If you have time, disconnect utilities and appliances.
• Be aware of potential electrical hazards from submerged electrical outlets or cords, downed power lines, visible sparks, or unusual noises (buzzing, crackling, snapping, or popping). Get out and stay away!
• Do not walk through flood waters. It only takes 6 inches of moving water to knowck you off your feet.
• Do not drive into flooded roadways or around a barricade. Turn around, don't drown!

Water may be deepeer than it appears, and hazards may be present that are not visible. Water only 12 inches deep can float a car or small SUV. Larger vehicles can be carried away in only 18 inches of water. 

Dense fog can be hazardous to anyone operating a vehicle, farm equipment, watercraft, or airplanes, or to personnel or other operators in teh vicinity. Visibility is greatly reduced, and is typically communicated as one of the many types of fog advisories. Here are two common ones:

Dense Fog Advisory

When a dense fog advisory is issued by your local National Weather Service office, visibility is reduced to about one-quarter of a mile or less. Travel is very difficult. 

Freezing Fog Advisory

In this instance, fog develops and surface temperatures are at or below freezing. The water droplets can freeze instantly to any surface, including windshields or road surfaces. Visibility is typically at or below 1 mile.

If you must drive in foggy conditions, here are a couple of tips from the National Weather Service:

• Slow down! Allow extra time to reach your destination. If you're operating farm machinery in a field, know the terrain so that sudden changes don't result in a turnover.
  
• Try to make your vehicle as visible as possible to others - use your low-beam headlights which means your taillights will also be on.
• Avoid using your high-beam headlights, which can result in glare on the fog, making visibility even more difficult.
• Keep plenty of distance between you and the vehicle ahead of you.
• Follow the lines on the roadway to help keep you from running off of the road or drifting into another lane or oncoming traffic.

Heat illness can be deadly!  There are about 35 fatalities per year, and over 2,700 cases with days away from work related to heat stress.  Agricultural and construction workers are two of the leading work environments where exposure to extreme heat can result in a related illness, such as heat exhaustion or heat stroke. OSHA made heat-related hazards a National Emphasis Program in April 2022.

What is the difference between heat "exhaustion" and heat "stroke"?

Heat exhaustion is the early stage of a heat stroke. If symptoms are noticed early enough, a person should never suffer a heat stroke. Heat-related illnesses are completely preventatble, and knowing the early signs and symptoms should prompt intervention methods.

Prevention

1. WATER - REST - SHADE: Drink water every 15 minutes, even when not thirsty. Take frequent breaks in the shade, if possible. Wear a hat and light-colored clothing.
   
2. Be sure to keep an eye on co-workers and intervene if they're showing signs and symptoms of heat-related illnesses. 
3. Get help immediately if symptoms are consistent with a heat stroke. Call 911.
4. Download the OSHA-NIOSH Infosheet below for more guidance.

For more information on different types of heat-related illnesses and how to protect workers:

When the body is unable to warm itself, serious cold-related illnesses and injuries may occur, and permanent tissue damage and death may result.  Cold-related illnesses can occur from being outdoors in extreme weather, or working in a controlled environment such as walk-in freezers or refrigerated areas.

How cold is too cold?

According to OSHA's Cold Stress Guide, several factors contribute to cold stress conditions. Air temperature, wind chill, humidity/dampness, clothing, personal health conditions and physical conditioning, exhaustion, etc.

The main conditions that can result from cold stress are frostbite and hypothermia.

Frostbite

Frostbite is caused by the freezing of the skin and tissues. Frostbite can cause permanent damage to the body, and in severe cases can lead to amputation. Symptoms include numbness, tingling or burning sensation, aching, or bluish/pale skin.

Hypothermia

Hypothermia occurs when the normal body temperature (98.6°F) drops to less than 95°F. Exposure to cold temperatures causes the body to lose heat faster than it can be produced. Prolonged exposure to cold will eventually use up the body’s stored energy. Hypothermia is most likely at very cold temperatures, but it can occur even at cool temperatures (above 40°F) if a person becomes chilled from rain, sweat, or immersion in cold water.

Prevention

One of the main factors you have control of during extreme cold is how you dress. Here are some tips:

• Fabric - cotton loses its insulation value with it becomes wet. Wool, silk, and most synthetics will retain their insulation even when wet. 
• Layer up! Wear at least three layers of loose fitting clothing.
• Keep your head warm with a hat or hood, and to protect your ears. Wear a knit mask to cover your face and mouth, if needed.
• Insulated, water resistant gloves should be worn to protect fingers from frostbite.
• Insulated and water-proof boots/footwear with thick/multiple layers of socks should be worn to protect your toes.

Check out this video for tips on selecting and layering clothing for extreme cold environments.