In Case of Typhoon

INTRODUCTION

Typhoons, are severe tropical storms with heavy rains and intense winds that blow in a large circle around an “eye”. If the eye of the storm passes over an area, the winds and rain will diminish for a period of several minutes to half an hour. Once an eye has passed, the storm will return with winds now blowing in the opposite direction. Hurricanes may also produce tornadoes and cause strong storm surges or flash flooding.

PUBLIC STORM WARNING SIGNALS (PSWS):

PSWS # 1
A tropical cyclone will affect the locality. Winds of 30-60 KpH and/or intermittent rains may be expected within 36 hours. Preparatory classes are automatically suspended.

PSWS # 2
A tropical cyclone will affect the locality. Winds of greater than 60 KpH and up to 100 KpH may expected in at least 24 hours. Elementary and Highschool classes are automatically suspended.

PSWS # 3
A tropical cyclone will affect the locality. Winds greater than 100 KpH up to the 185 KpH may be expected in at least 18 hours. All levels of classes are automatically suspended.

PSWS # 4
A very intense typhoon will affect the locality. Very strong winds of more than 185 KpH may be expected in at least 12 hours.

BEFORE THE TYPHOON

  • Inspect the building exterior and identify all objects that would need to be removed and stored, or otherwise secured, in a storm such as: trash cans, materials, stored in the roof deck, post mounted signages, suspended signages, freestanding equipment, flags, and siding materials.
  • Steel shutters should be tested.
  • All windows should be shut down.
  • Periodic maintenance of all storm drainage.

DURING THE TYPHOON

Building occupants should be prepared to take the following actions in the event of a strong typhoon:

  • Windows should be secured as necessary, and blinds and curtains should be closed.
  • All computers, telecommunications equipment, office equipment, and appliances should be turned off and unplugged to protect them from possible power surges.
  • Critical data or equipment should be prepared for removal to safe location.
  • Personal belongings should be gathered so they can be removed if an evacuation order is given.
  • EEF-ERT should guide all evacuating building occupants through the fire exit and should complete the following task as soon as the evacuation order is given:
  • Conduct floor to floor walk-through after the evacuation deadline to verify that all persons have evacuated and all areas are locked and secured.
  • Verify that vital records are safely stored or removed.
  • Engineering personnel should park elevators on a floor above any level threatened by possible flooding.
  • Shut off power to elevators, HVAC system, lighting, and other equipment.
  • The management must keep a skeletal force of technical personnel in the facility. However, the decision to keep a skeleton crew in place should be weighed very carefully.

AFTER THE TYPHOON:

  • Damage assessment should begin.
  • ERT members should walk the facility to identify damages.
  • Efforts should be made to protect the building from additional damage.
  • If windows have been broken, opening should be covered to prevent additional water damage from more rain.
  • Perimeter guards should be watchful of looters if the building has been significantly damaged.

FOR ANY EMERGENCIES, IMMEDIATELY CALL THE SECURITY AND SAFETY OFFICE FOR ASSISTANCE:
+(632) 815-1506 (Lawton)
+(632) 815-1502 (Cameron)