Page 82 - DB Crisis Management Guide

Natural Disaster and Fire

Understanding Winter Weather Watch and Warning Terms
Rain that freezes when it hits the ground, creating a coating of ice on roads, walkways, trees and
Freezing Rain
power lines.
Rain that turns into ice pellets before reaching the ground. Sleet also causes moisture on roads
Sleet
to freeze and become slippery.

Windchill is the temperature it “feels like” when you are outside. The NWS provides a Windchill
Windchill Chart to show the difference between air temperature and the perceived temperature, and the
amount of time until frostbite occurs.
Winter Weather Winter weather conditions are expected to cause significant inconveniences and may be
Advisory hazardous, especially to motorists.
The NWS issues a winter storm watch when severe winter conditions, such as heavy snow and/or
Winter Storm Watch ice, may affect your area but the location and timing are still uncertain. A winter storm watch is
issued 12 to 36 hours in advance of a potential severe storm.

Winter Storm Warning A winter storm is occurring or will soon occur in your area. Take action.

Sustained winds or frequent gusts to 35 miles per hour or greater and considerable amounts of
Blizzard Warning falling or blowing snow (reducing visibility to less than a quarter mile) are expected to prevail for
a period of 3 hours or longer. Deep drifts will occur. Life-threatening Windchill.

Below-freezing temperatures are expected and may cause damage to plants, crops and fruit
Frost/Freeze Warning
trees.

PREPARATION

 Locations that are subjected to severe weather should maintain building operations as outlined below.
These are only some requirements; Management will determine what other maintenance should be
performed.
 At the beginning of the season, ensure building is inspected and necessary equipment is in working
order.
 If you are located in a mall, notify mall management of any icy conditions that you encounter or of which
you are made aware.
 If you contract out snow removal, notify contract company of any removal needs. Use ice melt on
immediate walkways and entrances.
 Check on sidewalk and entrances frequently.
 Check windows, doors and roof for leaks.
 Pay extra attention to entry doors and schedule frequent cleanup to control any water tracked in by
Team Members and Guests. Have extra wet floor signs available.
 Mark fire hydrants near the store for ease in locating and clearing after a heavy storm (freestanding
locations).

 Order ice melt (freestanding locations).
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