Tornadoes are nature's most violent storms. Spawned from powerful thunderstorms, tornadoes can cause fatalities and devastate a neighborhood in seconds.
Know what to do if a tornado occurs while you are on duty at Anniston Army Depot.
A TORNADO WATCH is issued by the National Weather Service when tornadoes are possible in your area. Remain alert for approaching storms. This is time to remind family members or coworkers about the safest places to go and listen to the radio or television for further developments.
A TORNADO WARNING means that a tornado has been spotted, or that Doppler radar indicates a thunderstorm circulation which can spawn a tornado. When a tornado warning is issued for your town or county, take immediate safety precautions. Local NWS offices issue tornado warnings.
During a tornado watch:
• Monitor local radio/television stations as well as weather radios for current information.
• Review tornado shelter checklist.
• Clear any debris from local shelter.
• Put fresh batteries in flashlights.
• Determine when to relocate to a designated shelter.
• Curtail or prohibit routine movement outside.
• Account for personnel and visitors.
• Assist the handicapped as necessary.
• Notify all employees of weather conditions, ensuring notification is given to personnel in high noise areas. Ensure personnel are briefed on tornado shelter locations.
• Secure outdoor equipment and material. Take cover immediately and dial 9-1-1 upon spotting a tornado.
In the event of a tornado warning:
• Notify personnel to take immediate cover.
• Attempt to identify and shelter any visitors.
• Account for all on-duty personnel.
• Ensure all personnel remain in shelter until notified through your chain of command that the tornado warning is canceled.
• Personnel must not be permitted to leave shelter until the outside has been assessed for life-threatening hazards.
• Monitor local media and weather radios for current situation updates. The tornado warning cancelation will not be sounded using the base siren system.
• Additional sirens indicate a new tornado threat. Notification will be sent through the unit chain of command or provided by emergency responders when necessary.
After a tornado has occurred:
• Perform damage assessment.
• Report damage to the Unit Control Center and Emergency Operations Center.
• Remember to identify and account for any visitors in your shelter, by name and organization and identify when they leave the shelter area. Assist the injured and call 9-1-1 for badly injured employees.
Anniston Army Depot Siren Tones
TEST MESSAGE WAIL -- "This is a test of the Anniston Army Depot emergency warning system. This is a test and only a test." Followed by the wailing tone. Conducted every Wednesday at 1 p.m.
TORNADO ALERT -- "A tornado has been sighted in the area -- Take cover immediately." Followed by the alert tone.
SEVERE WEATHER -- "Attention! Severe weather warning. Take cover immediately." This message will be repeated twice, followed by the alert tone.
SEEK SHELTER -- "Attention! Seek shelter immediately. Close doors and windows. Shut off heating, ventilation and air conditioning. Seek shelter immediately." Followed by the whooping tone.
SECURITY -- "This is a Security Alert. All gates to the installation will be closed." This message will be repeated twice, followed by the alert tone.
ACTIVE SHOOTER -- This verbal message will be through live public address: "Attention - active shooter alert. Attention active shooter alert. An active shooter incident at building __ or in the ___ area. Implement your active shooter protocols. Active shooter alert." This is followed by the alert tone.
ALL CLEAR -- "All clear - resume normal operations," followed by Westminster Chimes.
SEVERE WEATHER STORM SHELTERS FOR THE INSTALLATION
All buildings at Anniston Army Depot are government property and are the direct responsibility of the ANAD Commander. During an emergency situation, each building designated as severe weather storm shelter areas will be open for shelter.
When a tornado warning (tornado sirens) is issued, the following listed buildings will be opened to provide storm shelter areas. The building owner/coordinator will develop storm shelter plans to accommodate people who come seeking shelter.
Do not shelter in areas with chemical vats, large roof spans, or overhead cranes, hoists and other loose equipment. Go to interior rooms or areas with the shortest possible roof span overhead.
The following buildings are designated as depot storm shelter areas:
(a) East Side: 100, 106, 107, 111, 113, 115, 117, 128, 129, 130, 133, 136 (Conference Room), 143, 144, 145, 162, 410, 411, 412, 414, 428, 433, 474, 475, 501 and 502.
(b) West Side: 1, 2, 7, 15, 31, 35, 360, 361, 362 and 363.
(c) Restricted Area/Ammunition Limited Area: 78, 600, 654, 669, Magazine B409 and Service Magazine 389.
NOTE: Buildings 1, 2 and 15 have basements.
Non-duty hours: East Industrial Area, if time does not permit relocation to a designated shelter, employees should remain in the building they are in at the time of the warning. The safest place to be is under something sturdy. Seek shelter in a small interior room in the middle of the building (e.g. closest, bathroom) Stay away from outside doors and windows.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
• http://www.ready.gov/tornadoes
• http://www.nssl.noaa.gov/education/svrwx101/
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