Severe weather
guidance and procedures

Information about changes in site operations during severe winter weather will be available on the Argonne Home Page or on the Argonne Info-Line at (630) 252-INFO.

Radio stations will not be notified; past experience has shown that they can't broadcast timely information in major winter storms.

Employees should discuss with their supervisors in advance what to do in case of heavy snowfall or icing conditions. If severe winter weather strikes during the overnight hours, employees may decide to delay their morning commutes until the roads have been cleared. Employees may be directed to park in designated areas to allow parking lots to be cleared.

If there is heavy snow during the work day the laboratory may close early. If this happens, employees should use extra caution on sidewalks, in parking lots and while driving. Surfaces will likely be slippery and visibility poor. Employees should be prepared for conditions with appropriate footwear and clothing.

Spring and summer

There are several terms and tips to remember during severe weather season:

• A tornado watch means conditions are right for a tornado to form. Argonne employees and visitors will be alerted to a tornado watch issued by the National Weather Service by an alert tone sounded on the site-wide address system. The tone will be followed by an announcement.

• A tornado warning means a tornado has either been sighted in the area or detected by radar. Sirens will sound and a site-wide announcement will direct employees to head immediately to the nearest designated tornado shelter. When in the shelter remain calm and quiet. This will allow you to better listen for further advisories.

• Pay attention to public announcements or listen to a weather radio to monitor weather conditions.

• Know the safest place and best route to a tornado shelter area. Tornado shelter areas are clearly marked in Argonne buildings. When a warning sounds, go there immediately but safely and wait for the all-clear. Assist persons with special needs to safely get to shelter. Direct visitors to the nearest tornado shelter.

• Do not leave your shelter until you receive the all-clear from site officials. Do not get in your car and try to leave the site.

• Don't waste time opening windows to prevent the building from "exploding." Flying debris from tornados will most likely break the windows anyway. Use the time to find shelter.

• Although it was once thought that the southwest corner of a structure was the best bet for tornado protection, studies have shown this is not true. Instead, opt for an underground structure, such as a basement, or, if no basement is available, an interior hallway. Get under a stairwell, heavy table or workbench for extra protection.

• Drivers should not try to outrun a tornado, which can move at speeds of 60 miles per hour or faster. If caught outside, drive away from the tornado at a right angle. If the tornado appears to be heading toward you, leave the vehicle and move as far away from the road as possible. This will reduce the probability of being crushed by a vehicle thrown by the storm. Find a ditch or low area and cover your head. Despite the famous video, overpasses do not provide much protection from a tornado, and may actually increase the likelihood of injury or death.

• Area emergency supervisors have details for employees working in trailers who need to seek stronger shelter.

• Employees using hazardous materials may need to secure them during a tornado watch. Any sensitive or classified materials should also be secured.

• If a tornado warning is announced during lunchtime, employees in the Building 213 Cafeteria will be directed to shelter areas. Cafeteria tornado shelter areas include the basement locker rooms, the dock area stairwell, the kitchen area (but not the serving area), the supply and storage rooms on the southeast corner of the building and the bathrooms near the entrance.

All Argonne facilities will test their building emergency plans this spring for tornado sheltering. Familiarize yourself with shelter locations and the best routes to them. Area emergency supervisors have building-specific information. For site-wide information, contact Emergency Management Officer Gary Winner (SCD-OS) at ext. 2-5991.

For more information on severe weather, see the National Weather Service Web site .