March 1 marks the onset of severe weather season across the central United States, bringing with it the threat of tornadoes that can cause widespread devastation.
In just the past week, multiple tornadoes have been reported across several states, highlighting the critical importance of tornado preparedness in the workplace.
Looking back at 2025, there were 1,558 confirmed tornadoes across the U.S., surpassing the historical average of 1,200. While the 2026 tornado forecast calls for fewer tornadoes, all it takes is for one tornado to touch down in a densely populated area for the season to take a devastating turn. This reinforces the need for businesses to prioritize tornado preparedness.
While no one can control the weather, every business can take proactive steps to protect employees and operations from severe weather threats. If a tornado were to strike your workplace today, would your employees know exactly where to go and what to do?
Here’s how to prepare.
Tornadoes can occur at any time and in any location across the U.S., but they are most frequent from March through May, a period often referred to as “Tornado Season.”
During these months, not only do tornadoes occur more frequently, but their intensity is at its peak, leading to greater risks of fatalities and property damage.
In recent years, meteorologists have also observed a shift in where tornado activity is occurring. While the central plains have historically been known as “Tornado Alley,” more tornado outbreaks are now occurring farther east in what researchers call “Dixie Alley,” which includes parts of Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee, Arkansas and Kentucky.
This broader geographic risk reinforces why businesses across much of the United States—not just the Plains—should have a tornado preparedness plan in place.
Tornadoes often strike with little or no warning, making it crucial for businesses to implement tornado preparedness strategies that reduce the risk of employee injuries or fatalities.
Many businesses lack a comprehensive tornado preparedness plan, leaving them vulnerable in an emergency. A well-structured disaster preparedness plan not only enhances safety but also minimizes legal risks associated with workplace injuries.
Consider the following when developing your plan:
Designate a tornado shelter area within your building, such as a small, windowless interior room or hallway on the lowest level.
Ensure employees stay away from doors, windows and exterior walls.
Avoid large open areas like auditoriums or cafeterias, which are more prone to collapse.
Provide alternative sheltering guidance for outdoor workers, including seeking underground shelters or sturdy buildings immediately upon a tornado warning.
Establish clear communication protocols to notify employees of severe weather threats.
Understand how your local community warning system works, ensuring employees do not rely solely on sirens but have access to multiple alert methods.
Tornado preparedness planning should also be incorporated into broader business continuity planning so companies can resume operations safely and efficiently after severe weather events.
Know where employees will go in all situations. While the safest place is in an underground tornado shelter or basement, sometimes it’s not an option. According to the Red Cross, other places to go when a tornado warning has been issued include:
Employees should also be instructed to protect their heads and necks and remain in shelter until the tornado warning has expired or officials confirm the threat has passed.
A tornado preparedness plan is only effective if employees know how to follow it. Conduct regular tornado drills to familiarize employees with emergency procedures, including:
Recognizing the tornado alarm system.
Knowing the designated shelter location.
Practicing a safe and orderly evacuation process.
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Even with modern weather tracking technology, tornadoes can form rapidly. Employees should be trained to recognize potential tornado signs, including:
Monitoring severe weather conditions in real-time is essential. Businesses should:
Rely on the National Weather Service (NWS) and local news for tornado watches and warnings.
Use a primary and backup communication method (e.g., text alerts, emails, or emergency intercom systems) to keep employees informed.
In addition to local news and weather radio alerts, many organizations now rely on mobile emergency alerts through smartphone systems such as Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA).
These alerts are issued automatically by authorized government agencies and can provide critical warning messages even when employees are not actively monitoring weather updates.
Understanding tornado alerts is also key:
Conditions are favorable for tornado development. Stay alert and monitor weather updates.
A tornado has been sighted or detected by radar. Take shelter immediately.
While community warning systems help to alert of a possible tornado, sirens should never be the sole warning system used by your workplace.
Once the tornado has passed, businesses must act swiftly to ensure employee safety and assess damage. Key steps include:
Always wear adequate protective gear when handling or moving through debris.
Downed power lines may still be energized and extremely dangerous. Employees should stay far away and report them immediately to local authorities or utility companies.
According to OSHA, employers are responsible for providing a workplace free from recognized hazards that are likely to cause death or serious physical harm.
Severe weather events—including tornadoes—can present foreseeable workplace hazards, making emergency preparedness planning an important part of an employer’s safety responsibilities.
Severe weather poses an ongoing risk to any workplace environment. However, with Axcet's specialized expertise in risk management, you can ensure the safety of your employees. Our team of safety and risk management consultants is equipped to assist you in creating comprehensive fire and tornado drill plans.
Not only that, but we will actively collaborate with you to conduct practice drills, ensuring preparedness for any emergency. Prioritize the well-being of your workforce by partnering with Axcet. Discover how our expert PEO solutions can protect your workplace; schedule a consultation today.
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