EMERCENCY PROCEDURES
Thunderstorms
Includes procedures for: Hail,
Lightning, High winds, and Tornado
1. Storm approach information
about possible severe storms will be received at the Administration
Building, by one or more methods (Amateur radio, NOAA radio, or
ESID storm detector). Unit leaders, Scouts, and Staff will be
notified by radio or audible emergency signal. The Camp Director
makes the decision when to sound which audible emergency signal,
covered in number 3 and 4 below.
2. Storm "Watch"
condition. This means conditions
are favorable for a T-storm to develop. Camp Staff will notify
each unit and program area. Adults should watch for and report
any adverse weather changes to the Admin. Bldg., and be alert
for the sounding of an audible emergency signal. Unit Leaders
should take care not to unduly alarm Scouts or cause any panic,
but should approach the situation in a calm manner.
3. Storm "Warning"
condition. This means a T-storm
is apparently approaching Skymont. A typical T-storm may last
between 15 minutes and approximately 1 hour. A wailing siren
is the audible emergency signal for this condition, sounded from
the Admin. Bldg. All program areas will close immediately. Unit
Leaders and Scouts will return to their campsites. Staff will
report to the Admin. Bldg. Upon return to campsites, Unit Leaders
will conduct a headcount muster. If any person/s are not accounted
for, a runner will be sent to the Admin. Bldg. with that information.
Upon return to campsites, Unit Leaders and Scouts will secure
their campsites, making sure all tents are tied down securely
and flaps are tied shut. Follow instructions for lightning protection
in no. 5 below. All personnel must be in tents, off the ground,
on wood pallets. This is the best protection in campsites.
Be alert for possible evacuation to the Dining Hall or other
camp building. If in campsites, remain there until the "all
clear" - several short tones - is sounded. After every
storm, Unit Leaders must check on the safe condition of all Scouts.
Report any injuries or camp damage to the Admin. Bldg.
4. Evacuation to Dining Hall or other camp
building for cover. This step will
be taken if information is received that severe wind, lightning,
hail, or tornado is approaching. A continuous tone is
the audible emergency signal to do this, sounded from the Admin.
Bldg. If time allows, runners and verbal notification may be
made, instead of the above emergency signal. When in the Dining
Hall for cover, all persons should stay away from the windows.
The best cover is along the east and west walls near the side
entrances, and along the back walls in the kitchen. In other
camp buildings, the best cover is along an inside wall. All personnel
should remain in the Dining Hall or other camp building until
the "all clear" - several short tones is sounded.
5. If caught out of doors during an approaching
storm. Lightning is the hazard
to protect most from. Avoid tall or isolated trees, open spaces,
open water, wire fences, metal clotheslines, small sheds, metal
equipment, wired telephones. Take off pack frames with external
or internal metal frames. Some protection may be found in dense
forest in a depressed area, under short trees, where taller trees
on higher nearby areas offer protection. Do not huddle together
in a group. Spread out at least 15 feet apart. If your skin
tingles or hair tries to stand on end, immediately do the "LIGHTNING SAFE CROUCH
". Squat low
to the ground on the balls of your feet, with your feet close
together. Place your hands on your knees, with your head between
them. Be the smallest target possible, and minimize your contact
with the ground.
6. Flash Flood condition.
It is remotely possible after very heavy rain, for this condition
to occur temporarily, especially in very low areas, or downstream
of any lake dam overflow, such as our Cope Course area. Avoid
low areas during and after heavy rains, especially after dark.
All campsites are located out of such areas. Do not camp overnight
close beside a stream.
7. Serious injury or loss of life.
In this event, the Camp Director will begin official notification
procedures. All media contacts will be conducted through the Camp
Director. Staff and Scouts are not to contact or speak with the
public media without the knowledge of the camp Director.
This web page was written by Jack Wright, Skymont Scout Reservation, Chattanooga, Tennessee
with web authoring assistance by Michael F. Bowman,
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