| Business travelers: Do you know what to do if | | | | Here are other important pointers to help you |
| you're on the road or in business lodging when | | | | stay safe: |
| tornado sirens go off? Developing some | | | | At a hotel or motel: |
| emergency weather know-how ahead of time | | | | • Ask at check-in about the procedure if |
| can help you protect yourself and your workforce | | | | there's a tornado warning. |
| travelers. | | | | • When necessary, don't delay in going to the |
| While Tornado Alley typically is considered the | | | | pre-designated shelter area. |
| central U.S. region, tornadoes can and do occur in | | | | • If there's no basement or designated safe |
| almost any state. May and June are considered | | | | area, interior hallways and rooms on the lowest |
| the height of the tornado season but tornadoes | | | | floor usually are considered as the best protection |
| may pop up at any time of year. | | | | areas. |
| Smart business travelers make it a standard | | | | • Stay away from windows and outside walls. |
| practice during peak tornado season to check out | | | | • Don't take shelter in areas under |
| weather warnings and watches. The brief amount | | | | free-spanning roofs that aren't supported by |
| of time required to make these checks can make | | | | interior columns or pillars. |
| the difference between being caught in | | | | On the road: |
| tornado-level winds and being safe in a secure | | | | • Don't ignore the signs - tune in to weather |
| shelter. | | | | alerts if skies look threatening and if it's humid, |
| Experienced travelers who have been through | | | | windy and hot. |
| tornado warnings and watches many times may | | | | • If conditions appear right for a tornado, do |
| think they've developed a sense about when a | | | | not drive. |
| tornado is possible. After all, there is a certain | | | | • Do not try to out-drive severe weather. |
| bruised look to a tornado-ready sky and the | | | | Tornadoes often change direction. |
| atmosphere typically is humid and oppressive. | | | | • Take shelter in a sturdy building, preferably |
| But to ensure severe weather preparedness, | | | | where you can move to the basement level. |
| every traveler should take a minute to check out | | | | Move away from windows. |
| the news and review the forecast, go to weather | | | | • If there's no shelter, park - but not in a |
| sites online or look for smart phone apps that | | | | traffic lane. Stay in your car with your seat belt |
| show the weather at a glance. | | | | fastened. If debris is blowing by, keep your head |
| It also is smart to get in the habit of monitoring | | | | below window level and covered, if possible. |
| severe weather advisories. The NOAA's National | | | | • Stay away from trees and cars that can |
| Weather Service Office of Climate, Water and | | | | become flying debris. |
| Weather Services offers a variety of severe | | | | • Avoid highway overpasses - despite popular |
| weather sites. | | | | myth, they aren't safe refuge. Wind moving |
| Just as companies rely on experts for business | | | | through them actually may increase in speed. |
| lodging savings, business travelers should look to | | | | • If it's possible to get lower than the level of |
| several expert resources to stay informed about | | | | the roadway, take shelter in a low-lying area but |
| significant weather patterns ahead. | | | | be aware it may flood. |