Toolbox Talks: Lawton’s severe weather and tornado procedures

Toolbox Talks are an effective method of communication for employees at The C.A. Lawton Co.  Each week, a handout is designed and posted by our compliance coordinator, Katherine Jungwirth. This handout is specifically created to freshen everyone’s memory and remind them of various safety precautions.

This week’s employee handout was based around severe weather and understanding all of Lawton’s fire safety and evacuation procedures. From tornadoes and accidental fires, all employees must know what to do in these emergency situations. In particular, Lawton listed a set of key things to do when a fire occurs.

What to Do When a Fire Occurs

• Always activate the alarm from the nearest fire alarm pull.
• Remain calm and leave the building via the shortest fire evacuation route.
• Notify others of the fire as you leave the building.
• Report to your fire assembly point and stay there.
• If you catch on fire, remember to STOP, DROP and ROLL, extinguish the fire with water, or smother the fire with a blanket or coat.
• Close doors and windows behind you to prevent the fire from spreading, but DO NOT lock them.
• If smoke is present, crouch close or crawl along the floor to avoid the smoke. Smoke fumes usually rise.
• Before opening any closed doors, check the door & handle for heat with your hand. If it is hot, do not open the door, a fire could be behind it; find another exit.
• Do not return to the building until told to do so by an authorized person.

The Toolbox Talk also includes information on severe weather and tornado procedures.

• During periods of potential severe weather, Lawton monitors local news stations and weather channels. 
• During a tornado watch, management evaluates weather conditions and determines if/when any emergency condition exists that requires activating emergency procedures.
• Be aware that the City of De Pere tests sirens every Wednesday at 12 noon, with one 30 second blast.  The city has two sirens, one on the east side and on on the west side.
• If a tornado has be seen (tornado warning) the siren will blast steady for three-minutes. blast

For more safety procedures and tips, check out our other Toolbox Talks.