The 30-minute presentation on emergency response plans covers everything from traffic accidents in the parking lot to workplace violence.

By DIONI L. WISE
News & Record

GREENSBORO, N.C. — Meteorologist Randy Jackson visited a large manufacturing plant a few years ago to give a presentation about tornado safety. The company asked if he'd review its tornado plan afterward.

"I said, 'I'd be happy to,' " Jackson recalled.

"The plan basically said go to the lowest floor, stay away from windows (and) don't panic," he said.

After the presentation, the safety and human resources staff realized their plan left much to be desired.

Jackson talked with a dozen businesspeople from Guilford and Forsyth counties at the Hazardous Weather Preparedness Institute on Tuesday to ensure they have effective emergency plans.

Jackson, who co-founded the institute in 2000, discussed weather hazards, including tornadoes and lightning, and how businesses could plan safety and evacuation procedures.

Some participants shook their heads in disbelief as Jackson projected on a screen scenes of floods and tornados damaging communities.

"We never think that anything's going to happen to us," Jackson said.

"It's always going to be in the other town. It's always going to be in the other neighborhood. It's always going to affect another family. But it's never going to happen to me. And all of a sudden, when you're impacted by an event, now it becomes a much, much different story."

H. Graham Dail, a senior consultant for The HR Group, followed Jackson with a 30-minute presentation on emergency response plans that cover everything from traffic accidents in the parking lot to workplace violence.

Both speakers said it's imperative that businesses update their plans periodically and train their employees in how to execute them. Drills not only prepare employees for the worst, but also help safety coordinators improve plans.

Dail said the company decided to host another emergency planning seminar because of the arrival of hurricane season and the recent tornado.

The tornado that ripped through the area near U.S. 421, Interstate 40, N.C. 68 and Sandy Ridge Road last month caught the eye of some attendees. It damaged 25 businesses and 30 homes.

Nancy T. Ham, CEO of Robert H. Ham Store Fixtures, said recent bad weather has raised more concerns. One of her warehouses operates in Sparks, Nev., an earthquake-prone area.

"With everything going on in the news now, I think everybody has a heightened awareness or should have a heightened awareness of what's going on."

Ham said she learned a great deal from the class.

"I think this is a good seminar for anybody," she said.

WHAT should a business emergency plan include?
- Analysis of on-site hazards, such as explosive chemicals
- Identification of decision-makers
- Line of communication
- Contingency plan and teams
- Response guidelines
- Evacuation and lockdown procedures
- Contact with emergency responders and campus security
- Help for the disabled
- Assembly and accounting of employees after evacuation

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