Severe weather preparedness training benefits every employee at a site that can be hit by thunderstorms, floods or tornadoes, which covers most U.S. workplaces. It matters most for supervisors, floor wardens and anyone who works outdoors or drives for work, because they may need to act or direct others before help arrives.

OSHA has no standard dedicated to severe weather training. However, when another OSHA standard requires an emergency action plan under 29 CFR 1910.38, employees must be trained on that plan, and it typically addresses weather emergencies such as tornadoes. Many employers include severe weather drills in their emergency planning regardless.

A severe weather watch means conditions are favorable for a storm, tornado or flood to develop, so people should review plans and stay alert. A warning means the hazard is happening or imminent in the area, and people should take protective action immediately, such as moving to shelter or higher ground.

When a tornado warning is issued at work, stop work and move immediately to the designated shelter area, usually an interior room or hallway on the lowest floor away from windows. Stay there until an all-clear is given. Workers outdoors should get into the nearest sturdy building if they can reach it safely.

Driving through floodwater is dangerous because moving water can sweep a vehicle off the road and hide washed-out pavement or debris. Even shallow, fast-moving water can knock a person down or float a car, and depth is hard to judge. The safest rule is to turn around and find another route.