--- title: "Tornado Drill Procedures: A Step-by-Step Guide for Busineses" description: Discover essential tornado drill procedures to incorporate into your small business' safety plan, ensuring employee protection during a tornado. image: https://blog.axcethr.com/hubfs/tornado-drill-procedures%20(1).webp --- - [Client Portal](https://www.axcethr.com/client-services/) - [Employee Login](https://www.axcethr.com/client-services/) [![AxcetHR Solutions Blog](https://blog.axcethr.com/hubfs/AxcetHR2021%20Blog/axcethr_logo_white%20(1).png)](https://www.axcethr.com/) - [About Us](https://www.axcethr.com/about-us/) - [Corporate Philantropy](https://www.axcethr.com/about-us/corporate-philanthropy/) - [Meet the Team](https://www.axcethr.com/about-us/meet-the-team/) - [Values and Culture](https://www.axcethr.com/about-us/values-and-culture/) - [Kansas PEO](https://www.axcethr.com/about-us/kansas-peo/) - [Missouri PEO](https://www.axcethr.com/about-us/missouri-peo/) - [Careers](https://axcethrsolutions.prismhr-hire.com/) - 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- - - [whatsapp://send?text=https://blog.axcethr.com/tornado-drill-procedures-a-step-by-step-guide-for-busineses](whatsapp://send?text=https://blog.axcethr.com/tornado-drill-procedures-a-step-by-step-guide-for-busineses) - [mailto:?subject=Tornado%20Drill%20Procedures:%20A%20Step-by-Step%20Guide%20for%20Busineses&body=https://blog.axcethr.com/tornado-drill-procedures-a-step-by-step-guide-for-busineses](mailto:?subject=Tornado%20Drill%20Procedures:%20A%20Step-by-Step%20Guide%20for%20Busineses&body=https://blog.axcethr.com/tornado-drill-procedures-a-step-by-step-guide-for-busineses) ![tornado-drill-procedures (1)](https://blog.axcethr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/tornado-drill-procedures%20(1).webp?width=1200&height=800&name=tornado-drill-procedures%20(1).webp) In 2025, [more than](https://www.accuweather.com/en/severe-weather/these-5-states-had-the-most-tornadoes-in-2025/1849592)[1,500 tornadoes](https://www.accuweather.com/en/severe-weather/these-5-states-had-the-most-tornadoes-in-2025/1849592) were reported across the United States, far exceeding the historical annual average of around 1,200. While many storms cause only property damage, tornadoes still lead to injuries, fatalities and significant workplace disruption each year. For employers across Kansas, Missouri and the Midwest, severe weather is not a distant possibility—it’s a regular seasonal threat. That’s why having clearly defined tornado drill procedures is essential. [Strong tornado preparedness in the workplace](https://blog.axcethr.com/tornado-preparedness-in-the-workplace-keeping-employees-safe) starts with clear planning and communication before severe weather strikes.  When a tornado warning is issued, employees may only have minutes to respond. Without well-practiced procedures, confusion can quickly turn into danger. At Axcet HR Solutions, our workplace safety and [risk management consultants](https://www.axcethr.com/services/workers-comp-and-employee-safety-risk-management/) work with small and mid-sized businesses to develop practical tornado drill procedures that help protect employees and prepare organizations for severe weather emergencies. But building an effective plan doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Let’s look at seven essential steps for creating tornado drill procedures that help keep your employees safe. RELATED: [Inclement Weather Policy - Can Employers Require Attendance? >>](https://blog.axcethr.com/inclement-weather-policy-can-employers-require-attendance-during-severe-storms) ## Why Tornado Drill Procedures Matter in the Workplace Tornadoes can develop quickly, sometimes leaving only minutes for employees to react. Without clear tornado drill procedures, employees may not know where to go, how warnings will be communicated or who is responsible for guiding others to safety. Practicing tornado drill procedures helps ensure employees can respond quickly and calmly during a tornado warning. Drills also allow employers to identify potential safety gaps, such as communication breakdowns, overcrowded shelter areas or unclear responsibilities. For employers, these drills are an important part of maintaining a safer workplace and preparing employees for severe weather emergencies. ## Tornado Drill Procedures: 7 Steps to Building Your Safety Plan  Let's look more closely at the seven fundamentals of creating a comprehensive plan for your workplace's tornado drill procedures. These proven and effective tips will set you on the right path to developing a robust safety plan that ensures the well-being of your team during a tornado. ## Step 1: Choose a Shelter-in-Place Location  The first step in creating a thorough tornado drill plan is to designate at least one shelter location. You may need to designate multiple locations depending on your business size, layout, and employee count. When choosing a shelter location, keep the following guidelines in mind. A good tornado shelter should:  ### Be located away from exterior walls and windows OSHA recommends an interior room or hallway on a building’s lowest floor. An ideal shelter room is constructed with reinforced concrete, brick, or block and has no windows.  ### Have a strong roof and floor Avoid spaces with wide-span, flat roofs, such as those found in auditoriums, cafeterias, or gyms.  ### Be structurally sound and able to withstand high winds  No trailers or mobile buildings.  ### Be accessible for employees with disabilities RELATED: [Tornado Preparedness in the Workplace - Keeping Employees Safe >>](https://blog.axcethr.com/tornado-preparedness-in-the-workplace-keeping-employees-safe) ## Step 2: Make Sure You Have the Right Equipment Your shelter location should be fully stocked with all necessary safety equipment. Consider the following in an emergency kit:  - Battery-powered weather radio - Flashlights or battery-powered lanterns - Extra batteries for phones and radio - A supply of non-perishable food and water - Medicine and first aid kits - Dust masks - Whistle (for alerting/signaling for help) - Personal sanitation supplies (including moist towelettes, hand sanitizer or disinfectant wipes, waterproof bags and ties, etc.) - Secured pliers or wrenches to shut off utilities - Fire extinguisher  [![can you make employees stay at work during tornado warnings](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/2652187/73b9585c-448f-461b-a033-0c4a2e61c9fb.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/2652187/73b9585c-448f-461b-a033-0c4a2e61c9fb) ## Step 3: Draft Your Written Tornado Drill Procedures Plan  Once you’ve identified a shelter location, you’ll need a written set of tornado drill procedures for getting employees to the shelter safely and efficiently.  ### Understand the difference between a tornado watch and a warning  - #### Tornado watch: Be alert  Tornadoes are possible in and near the watch area.  - #### Tornado warning: Take action  A tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar.  During a tornado warning, employers should direct employees to shelter immediately and follow established safety procedures.  Questions about [whether employers can require employees to stay at work during a tornado warning](https://blog.axcethr.com/tornado-warnings-can-you-make-employees-stay-at-work-and-shelter) often arise during these situations.  ### Assign roles and responsibilities  - Designate specific roles and responsibilities to employees during a tornado watch or warning.  - Assign a person responsible for monitoring weather alerts and informing the rest of the staff.  - Assign roles for guiding employees to the shelter, accounting for all staff in the shelter and providing first aid if necessary.   ### Implement a communication system  - Develop a clear system for communicating tornado watches and warnings to all employees.  - Decide on the method of communication (e.g., public address system, text messages, or email alerts).  ### What to do during a tornado watch  - Monitor the situation and stay informed about weather updates.  - Prepare to take shelter if the watch escalates to a warning.  - Inform all employees of the watch and remind them of the shelter location.  ### What to do in a tornado warning  - Immediately communicate the warning to all employees using the established communication system.  - Instruct all employees to proceed to the designated shelter location.  - Ensure that everyone knows to avoid windows and to protect their heads and necks from flying debris and falling objects.  ### Regular drills and training - Determine the frequency of regular tornado drills to practice the shelter-in-place procedure during a tornado warning.  As you’re drafting your tornado drill procedures plan, make sure to include instructions for the following scenarios:  ### What to do if the shelter is damaged  If the shelter location has been damaged or begins to smell like gas or any other flammable substance, employees should be guided to leave immediately and with extreme caution. Stay clear of fallen or broken utility lines, power lines, and glass.  ### What to do if employees are trapped in the shelter  If trapped in an unsafe location, contact 911 for rescue and instruct employees to cover their mouths and avoid breathing in chemicals or debris.  ### What to do if an employee is injured Several employees should be trained to deliver CPR and first aid. Employees should be trained to never attempt to move an individual who has experienced a back or neck injury unless the injured individual is in immediate danger.  [![first aid training](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/2652187/a9a885aa-d952-469a-be79-2e22c50553df.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/2652187/a9a885aa-d952-469a-be79-2e22c50553df) ## Step 4: Train Your Employees on Safety Procedures  Once you have drafted your business' tornado drill procedures, you’re ready to run through your drill and train your employees on the steps. For tornado drills, employees should have designated roles and be trained to meet the responsibilities of these roles. At least one tornado drill coordinator should be designated.  Employees designated as drill coordinators may be responsible for tasks such as: stocking shelters with safety equipment, leading employees through drills, recapping and assessing drill success after practicing, and updating the drill procedures as needed.  ## Step 5: Evaluate Your Tornado Drill Procedures After Each Drill Running a tornado drill is only part of the process. After each drill, employers should review how well their tornado drill procedures worked. Consider questions such as: - How long did it take employees to reach shelter? - Did employees clearly hear or receive the warning? - Were shelter areas accessible and large enough? - Did employees understand their assigned responsibilities? Reviewing each drill helps businesses refine their tornado drill procedures so employees can respond quickly and safely during an actual emergency. ## Step 6: Review and Update Tornado Drill Procedures Regularly  Regularly review and update your business' tornado drill procedures to ensure it remains relevant and effective. This includes updating the communication system and shelter-in-place procedure as necessary.  RELATED: [Human Resources Disaster Preparedness - Is Your Workplace Ready? >>](https://blog.axcethr.com/human-resources-disaster-preparedness-is-your-workplace-ready) ## Step 7: Consult Workplace Safety Experts  Your tornado drill and other safety procedures should be reviewed by workplace safety experts for feasibility, safety and compliance with all federal, state and local regulations. Axcet HR Solutions’ team of workplace safety experts is ready to help your company design, vet and iron out its safety procedures.  When your organization works with Axcet HR Solutions, you gain a partner with veteran expertise in workplace safety compliance, risk management, workers’ compensation and more. Do you have safety and HR compliance needs? Find out what we can do to help. [Contact Axcet's risk management team today](https://www.axcethr.com/schedule-consultation/). [![New call-to-action](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/2652187/9fd441ae-ace0-4fe1-8545-510ca69f0ed4.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/2652187/9fd441ae-ace0-4fe1-8545-510ca69f0ed4) [![Sam Hihn](https://blog.axcethr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/_DSC9345-Edit.jpg?width=80&height=80&name=_DSC9345-Edit.jpg)](https://blog.axcethr.com/author/sam-hihn) Written by #### [Sam Hihn](https://blog.axcethr.com/author/sam-hihn) Sam Hihn is a Safety and Health Consultant at Axcet HR Solutions, where he helps businesses build safer, more compliant workplaces through practical, hands-on risk management strategies. He works closely with client organizations to identify hazards, strengthen safety practices, and implement programs that protect employees while supporting operational efficiency. Sam partners directly with business leaders and frontline teams to assess workplace environments, equipment, and processes, ensuring alignment with OSHA standards and other regulatory requirements. He develops customized safety and health programs tailored to each organization's needs and provides guidance through OSHA inspections, citation responses, and corrective action planning—helping clients navigate compliance with clarity and confidence. A key part of Sam's work is translating complex safety requirements into clear, actionable steps. He conducts safety training, supports incident investigations to determine root causes, and delivers practical recommendations to prevent future issues. His approach focuses not only on meeting regulatory standards but on building sustainable safety practices that become part of everyday operations. With a background in manufacturing and safety roles, Sam brings real-world perspective to the challenges employers face. He is known for his approachable style, attention to detail, and commitment to helping teams take ownership of workplace safety. Through his writing, Sam shares actionable insights and guidance to help employers reduce risk, improve compliance, and create safer environments where employees can thrive. Read more [View all posts →](https://blog.axcethr.com/author/sam-hihn) ### Get HR Updates ### Table of Contents #### [Is the “Shecession” Returning? What the Latest Workforce Data Means ![women affected by the SHEcession in the workplace](https://blog.axcethr.com/hubfs/Ending%20the%20SHEcession%201200%C3%97628%20px.webp)](https://blog.axcethr.com/ending-the-shecession-benefits-women-businesses-alike) #### [![tornado procedures in the workplace](https://blog.axcethr.com/hubfs/Sam-Hihn_-Axcet-Health-_-Safety-Consultant-_1200-x-628-px_%20(1).webp) Tornado Procedures in the Workplace: Can You Force Employees to Stay?](https://blog.axcethr.com/tornado-warnings-can-you-make-employees-stay-at-work-and-shelter) ## Let us know what you think... ![AxcetHR Blog](https://blog.axcethr.com/hubfs/AxcetHR2021%20Blog/axcethr_logo_white%20(1).png) - [Why Axcet](https://www.axcethr.com/why-axcet/) - [What We Stand For](https://www.axcethr.com/about-us/what-we-stand-for/) - [Expertise](https://www.axcethr.com/expertise/) - [Employee Benefits](https://www.axcethr.com/services/employee-benefits/) - [Human Resources](https://www.axcethr.com/services/human-resources/) - [Payroll Services](https://www.axcethr.com/services/payroll-and-tax-administration-services/) - [Risk Management](https://www.axcethr.com/services/workers-comp-and-employee-safety-risk-management/) - [Meet the Team](https://www.axcethr.com/about-us/meet-the-team/) - [Subscribe to Latest Resources](https://www.axcethr.com/subscribe-to-the-latest-resources/) - [Resource Library](https://www.axcethr.com/expertise/resource-library/) - [\[ Client Portal \]](https://www.axcethr.com/client-services/) - - - - - Search for: Copyright © 2023 Axcet HR Solutions – Kansas City's PEO Since 1988 | [Privacy Policy](https://www.axcethr.com/privacy-policy/) | [Terms and Conditions](https://www.axcethr.com/terms-conditions/) | [**Join our Team – Careers »**](https://axcethrsolutions.prismhr-hire.com/) 10975 Grandview Drive Suite 200, Corporate Woods Building 27, Overland Park, KS 66210 | Call us: 913-383-2999 *The IRS does not endorse any particular For more information on [certified professional employer organizations](https://www.axcethr.com/why-axcet/certified-peo/), go to [www.irs.gov](https://www.irs.gov).* Remove cookies ![](https://dc.ads.linkedin.com/collect/?pid=43031&fmt=gif) ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Sam Hihn", "url" : "https://blog.axcethr.com/author/sam-hihn" }, "dateModified" : "2026-03-10T13:22:46.586Z", "datePublished" : "2026-03-10T12:00:00.000Z", "headline" : "Tornado Drill Procedures: A Step-by-Step Guide for Busineses", "image" : [ "https://blog.axcethr.com/hubfs/tornado-drill-procedures%20(1).webp" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://blog.axcethr.com/tornado-drill-procedures-a-step-by-step-guide-for-busineses", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://blog.axcethr.com/hubfs/_logo_axcethr_primary.png" }, "name" : "Axcet HR Solutions" } } ``` ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@id" : "https://www.axcethr.com/#organization", "@type" : "Organization", "address" : { "@type" : "PostalAddress", "addressCountry" : "US", "addressLocality" : "Kansas City", "addressRegion" : "MO" }, "aggregateRating" : { "@type" : "AggregateRating", "bestRating" : "5", "ratingValue" : "5", "reviewCount" : "100" }, "areaServed" : { "@type" : "Country", "name" : "United States" }, "award" : [ "IRS Certified Professional Employer Organization (CPEO)", "Award-Winning HR Solutions Provider", "SHRM Certified HR Professionals", "HRCI Certified HR Professionals" ], "contactPoint" : { "@type" : "ContactPoint", "areaServed" : "US", "availableLanguage" : "English", "contactType" : "Customer Service" }, "description" : "Award-winning Professional Employer Organization (PEO) providing comprehensive HR solutions, payroll services, employee benefits, and risk management to small and mid-sized businesses. 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While many storms cause only property damage, tornadoes still lead to injuries, fatalities and significant workplace disruption each year. For employers across Kansas, Missouri and the Midwest, severe weather is not a distant possibility—it’s a regular seasonal threat. That’s why having clearly defined tornado drill procedures is essential. Strong tornado preparedness in the workplace starts with clear planning and communication before severe weather strikes. When a tornado warning is issued, employees may only have minutes to respond. Without well-practiced procedures, confusion can quickly turn into danger. At Axcet HR Solutions, our workplace safety and risk management consultants work with small and mid-sized businesses to develop practical tornado drill procedures that help protect employees and prepare organizations for severe weather emergencies. But building an effective plan doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Let’s look at seven essential steps for creating tornado drill procedures that help keep your employees safe. RELATED: Inclement Weather Policy - Can Employers Require Attendance? >> Why Tornado Drill Procedures Matter in the Workplace Tornadoes can develop quickly, sometimes leaving only minutes for employees to react. Without clear tornado drill procedures, employees may not know where to go, how warnings will be communicated or who is responsible for guiding others to safety. Practicing tornado drill procedures helps ensure employees can respond quickly and calmly during a tornado warning. Drills also allow employers to identify potential safety gaps, such as communication breakdowns, overcrowded shelter areas or unclear responsibilities. For employers, these drills are an important part of maintaining a safer workplace and preparing employees for severe weather emergencies. Tornado Drill Procedures: 7 Steps to Building Your Safety Plan Let's look more closely at the seven fundamentals of creating a comprehensive plan for your workplace's tornado drill procedures. These proven and effective tips will set you on the right path to developing a robust safety plan that ensures the well-being of your team during a tornado. Step 1: Choose a Shelter-in-Place Location The first step in creating a thorough tornado drill plan is to designate at least one shelter location. You may need to designate multiple locations depending on your business size, layout, and employee count. When choosing a shelter location, keep the following guidelines in mind. A good tornado shelter should: Be located away from exterior walls and windows OSHA recommends an interior room or hallway on a building’s lowest floor. An ideal shelter room is constructed with reinforced concrete, brick, or block and has no windows. Have a strong roof and floor Avoid spaces with wide-span, flat roofs, such as those found in auditoriums, cafeterias, or gyms. Be structurally sound and able to withstand high winds No trailers or mobile buildings. Be accessible for employees with disabilities RELATED: Tornado Preparedness in the Workplace - Keeping Employees Safe >> Step 2: Make Sure You Have the Right Equipment Your shelter location should be fully stocked with all necessary safety equipment. Consider the following in an emergency kit: Battery-powered weather radio Flashlights or battery-powered lanterns Extra batteries for phones and radio A supply of non-perishable food and water Medicine and first aid kits Dust masks Whistle (for alerting/signaling for help) Personal sanitation supplies (including moist towelettes, hand sanitizer or disinfectant wipes, waterproof bags and ties, etc.) Secured pliers or wrenches to shut off utilities Fire extinguisher Step 3: Draft Your Written Tornado Drill Procedures Plan Once you’ve identified a shelter location, you’ll need a written set of tornado drill procedures for getting employees to the shelter safely and efficiently. Understand the difference between a tornado watch and a warning Tornado watch: Be alert Tornadoes are possible in and near the watch area. Tornado warning: Take action A tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar. During a tornado warning, employers should direct employees to shelter immediately and follow established safety procedures. Questions about whether employers can require employees to stay at work during a tornado warning often arise during these situations. Assign roles and responsibilities Designate specific roles and responsibilities to employees during a tornado watch or warning. Assign a person responsible for monitoring weather alerts and informing the rest of the staff. Assign roles for guiding employees to the shelter, accounting for all staff in the shelter and providing first aid if necessary. Implement a communication system Develop a clear system for communicating tornado watches and warnings to all employees. Decide on the method of communication (e.g., public address system, text messages, or email alerts). What to do during a tornado watch Monitor the situation and stay informed about weather updates. Prepare to take shelter if the watch escalates to a warning. Inform all employees of the watch and remind them of the shelter location. What to do in a tornado warning Immediately communicate the warning to all employees using the established communication system. Instruct all employees to proceed to the designated shelter location. Ensure that everyone knows to avoid windows and to protect their heads and necks from flying debris and falling objects. Regular drills and training Determine the frequency of regular tornado drills to practice the shelter-in-place procedure during a tornado warning. As you’re drafting your tornado drill procedures plan, make sure to include instructions for the following scenarios: What to do if the shelter is damaged  If the shelter location has been damaged or begins to smell like gas or any other flammable substance, employees should be guided to leave immediately and with extreme caution. Stay clear of fallen or broken utility lines, power lines, and glass. What to do if employees are trapped in the shelter  If trapped in an unsafe location, contact 911 for rescue and instruct employees to cover their mouths and avoid breathing in chemicals or debris. What to do if an employee is injured Several employees should be trained to deliver CPR and first aid. Employees should be trained to never attempt to move an individual who has experienced a back or neck injury unless the injured individual is in immediate danger. Step 4: Train Your Employees on Safety Procedures Once you have drafted your business' tornado drill procedures, you’re ready to run through your drill and train your employees on the steps. For tornado drills, employees should have designated roles and be trained to meet the responsibilities of these roles. At least one tornado drill coordinator should be designated. Employees designated as drill coordinators may be responsible for tasks such as: stocking shelters with safety equipment, leading employees through drills, recapping and assessing drill success after practicing, and updating the drill procedures as needed. Step 5: Evaluate Your Tornado Drill Procedures After Each Drill Running a tornado drill is only part of the process. After each drill, employers should review how well their tornado drill procedures worked. Consider questions such as: How long did it take employees to reach shelter? Did employees clearly hear or receive the warning? Were shelter areas accessible and large enough? Did employees understand their assigned responsibilities? Reviewing each drill helps businesses refine their tornado drill procedures so employees can respond quickly and safely during an actual emergency. Step 6: Review and Update Tornado Drill Procedures Regularly Regularly review and update your business' tornado drill procedures to ensure it remains relevant and effective. This includes updating the communication system and shelter-in-place procedure as necessary. RELATED: Human Resources Disaster Preparedness - Is Your Workplace Ready? >> Step 7: Consult Workplace Safety Experts Your tornado drill and other safety procedures should be reviewed by workplace safety experts for feasibility, safety and compliance with all federal, state and local regulations. Axcet HR Solutions’ team of workplace safety experts is ready to help your company design, vet and iron out its safety procedures. When your organization works with Axcet HR Solutions, you gain a partner with veteran expertise in workplace safety compliance, risk management, workers’ compensation and more. Do you have safety and HR compliance needs? Find out what we can do to help. Contact Axcet's risk management team today.", "author" : { "@id" : "https://blog.axcethr.com/author/sam-hihn#author", "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Sam Hihn", "url" : "https://blog.axcethr.com/author/sam-hihn" }, "dateCreated" : "2026-03-10", "dateModified" : "2026-03-10", "datePublished" : "2026-03-10", "description" : "In 2025, more than 1,500 tornadoes were reported across the United States, far exceeding the historical annual average of around 1,200. While many storms cause only property damage, tornadoes still lead to injuries, fatalities and significant workplace disruption each year. 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