As tornado season is barely here yet, we’ve already seen some very powerful storms. Flower Shop Network wants all florists (and, well, everyone) to make sure they are ready in the event of a tornado. This post is all about developing your tornado plan, so that if it happens, you know what to do, where to be, and what to expect.

Before A Tornado

• Radio + Batteries – If you’re in an area where tornado are common, be sure you’ve got a good weather radio with extra batteries somewhere in your shop.

• Know the terminology – A tornado WATCH is issued when weather conditions favor the formation of tornadoes, for example, during a severe thunderstorm — be prepared to take shelter immediately if conditions worsen. A tornado WARNING is issued when a tornado funnel is sighted or indicated by weather radar — You should take shelter immediately!

• Know the plan – have a plan and know all the safest places in your shop. Safe locations include: a basement or inside room on the lowest floor, such as a closet or hallway. Make sure ALL employees know the location of these safe areas.

Make sure your safe area avoids all: windows, glass doors (coolers), or other dangerous locations in the event of strong winds or hail.

• Room For All – Make sure the safe area in your building has room for all your employees and more. (You may have customers or suppliers in your store during a tornado.)

• Be Ready For Anything – Make an emergency kit for your store, including: flashlights, candles, the radio and extra batteries, and a first aid kit.

• Consider Customers – Have an emergency plan for dealing with customers in the event of a dangerous storm. Make sure your employees know exactly how to handle customers in this situation. It may be a good idea to label your safe locations.

• Potential Hazards – Evaluate your store for potential dangers. You may want to move vases from an upper shelf to a lower one. Secure wall decorations and anything else that may cause harm during a dangerous storm.

• Outside Hazards – Identify any hazards outdoors. Secure any unstable items that may be outside your store, decorations, furniture, buckets, etc. Clear any potentially dangerous trees or branches that could fall, causing injury or damage.

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