Severe Weather Response Plan
Comprehensive severe weather plan covering tornadoes, hurricanes, winter storms, flash flooding, and lightning. Region-adaptable framework with shelter procedures, evacuation decisions, and NOAA Weather Radio integration.
When this template is required
No specific OSHA standard but General Duty Clause applies when severe weather is foreseeable. Required for tornado/hurricane/winter storm/flash flood/lightning exposure. Pairs with EAP.
Why this template
Region-adaptable
Different regions face different severe weather. Plan covers all major categories with region-specific emphasis.
Shelter vs evacuation
Tornadoes: shelter in place (minutes warning, no escape). Hurricanes: evacuation in advance OR shelter-in-place when too late. Different decision framework.
Lightning safety
30/30 rule: thunder within 30 sec of lightning = cease outdoor work; resume 30 min after last thunder. 'When thunder roars, go indoors.'
NOAA Weather Radio
Plan documents radio receiver placement, programming, and integration with workplace notification.
What you receive
- Severe Weather Plan (Word .docx)
- Tornado response (shelter, head count)
- Hurricane response (evacuation vs shelter-in-place)
- Winter storm procedure (operations cessation, employee safety)
- Flash flood procedure
- Lightning safety (30/30 rule, outdoor work cessation)
- NOAA Weather Radio integration
- Decision authority and chain of command
How you get it
This document is written and reviewed against the standard it cites, and it is ready now. The download link is emailed as soon as your payment clears.
Revisions included — if something about your operation changes what the document should say, reply to the delivery email and we will amend it.
Who buys this
- Tornado Alley states (TX, OK, KS, NE, IA, MO, etc.)
- Hurricane-prone coastal regions (FL, GA, SC, NC, TX, LA)
- Winter storm regions (Northeast, Midwest)
- Flash flood-prone regions (Southwest)
- All outdoor operations (lightning is universal)
Frequently asked
Tornado shelter vs hurricane?
Tornado: small spatial scale, minutes warning, no evacuation possible. Shelter interior/basement. Hurricane: large scale, days/hours warning, evacuation possible in advance. Different decision frameworks.
What's the 30/30 lightning rule?
Thunder following lightning within 30 seconds = lightning is within ~6 miles; cease outdoor work and shelter. Resume 30 minutes after last thunder. Simpler version: 'when thunder roars, go indoors.'
Does this apply to indoor workplaces?
Yes — with reduced complexity. Indoor workplaces still need tornado shelter, hurricane preparedness, winter storm decisions (closures), flash flood response. Lightning primarily outdoor concern.
How does this coordinate with EAP?
EAP covers general emergency response including weather. Severe Weather Plan provides detailed weather-specific procedures referenced by EAP. Both work together.