SAM 911 Emergency Information for Employees

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Tropical Storm  Idalia Updates

We have been keeping a close eye on Tropical Storm Idalia over the last few days and will continue to monitor the situation.  As of this morning, projections show that Idalia will most likely intensify as it makes its way toward Florida.  If forecasts are correct, Idalia may develop into a Category 3 Hurricane.  If you live in or are travelling to an area that will be affected by the storm please begin making the necessary preparations in anticipation of high winds, heavy rainfall, storm surge and flash flooding.  Communication is very important over the next few days.  Please stay in contact with your supervisors and office operations managers for the latest information on plans for your office.  As a reminder, here are some helpful tips for what to do before, during and after the storm.

 

Take Shelter

  • Your personal safety is the highest priority.
  • Shelter in place until the storm has passed or evacuate as directed by your local officials.
  • Resist the temptation to go out during or immediately following with storm.
  • Don’t drive or walk through floodwater– it may be deeper than you think.
  • Keep in mind that floodwater often carries germs, bacteria and potentially sewage.  Avoid contact with flood waters if at all possible.
  • Never operate a generator inside an enclosed area.

 

Secure Property and Equipment

  • Take the necessary precautions to protect your personal property.
  • If you have company equipment make sure it has been secured in the office or in your home/hotel.
  • If you have a company vehicle, park it in a location that is least likely to result in damage from flood waters and flying debris.
  • If you know your area is likely to experience excessive flooding please coordinate with your manager for securing company vehicles at the Houston office.

 

Downed and damaged power lines, and dangerous materials

  • NEVER get within 20 feet of fallen power lines.  Assume all power lines are LIVE.
  • Contact your local power company or city office to inform them of downed power lines.
  • Fast moving flood waters may be carrying large objects that can strike and injure you.
  • Flood waters may also be covering dangerous objects that could cause injury.

 

Return to work,  walking and working surfaces

  • Follow the instruction of your Supervisor, Project Manager or client representative at all times and only return to work when instructed to do so.
  • The ground is wet and slippery which is the time when falls can occur.  Be sure of your footing as you walk and note that there is potential for back injuries, arm, and shoulder injuries during falls.
  • Avoid walking on debris when possible.  These items can slide or move causing you to lose your balance, may be covering or hiding a more significant hazard, or may have sharp edges or nails that could cause laceration or puncture wounds.
  • Natural ground will be saturated and your vehicles can become stuck or bogged down depending on the area.

 

Incident Management and Communication

  • Immediately report all work related incidents, no matter how minor; even small lacerations may become infected in post-hurricane environments.
  • If affected by the storm please use checkin@sam.biz or call 512-895-5222 to report your status and to get office updates after the storm passes.
  • You can also monitor www.sam.biz/SAM-911 for office updates.
  • Call 911 for emergencies.
  • Call AXIOM for all work related injuries – (877) 502-9466
  • Contact the Safety Hotline for other safety related needs – (512) 685-3577

 

Your safety is very important to us and should be your first priority.  Please let us know of any questions or immediate needs you may have over the next few days.  Please continue to track TS Idalia at this link or your local weather service.

 

Thank you.  Be well and stay safe.

Track Tropical Storm or Hurricanes here: https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/

 

Todd Baker, CSP, ARM, CSHO
Director of Health and Safety