Tornado Act Promotes Safety, Awareness
Congress notoriously quibbles and argues over trivial issues, but the polarized congressional body finally found common ground this week. Acting on the behest of a wealth of empirical data, Republicans and Democrats reintroduced the bipartisan TORNADO Act. Although storm awareness campaigns progress annually, the TORNADO Act will improve information access for millions of storm-weary residents. Furthermore, the legislation encourages the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to update its storm prediction and weather alert communications methods.
“With the quality of modern forecasting systems, we should be delivering faster warnings for severe weather. The TORNADO Act would update alerts and communication systems with the latest best practices and scientific insights. Advanced warnings will ensure Mississippians can better protect their families, homes, and businesses,” Senator Wicker said.
Tornado Act Details
Among other provisions, the TORNADO Act would:
- Require NOAA to prepare and submit an action plan for the national implementation of high-resolution probabilistic guidance for tornado forecasting and prediction.
- Encourage NOAA to evaluate the current tornado rating system and make updates.
- Require NOAA to coordinate with appropriate entities when conducting post-storm assessments to optimize data collection, sharing, and integration.
How Will Tornado Act Impact My Jobsite?
Tornado warnings provide 16 minutes of advanced warning for incoming tornadoes. Although advanced warnings continuously improve, additional response times could save more lives. While every minute counts in residential tornado protection, construction sites are disadvantaged. Construction’s transient and temporary nature, with permanent construction in progression, is woefully bereft of permanent steel protection. Most above-ground tornado shelters cannot be relocated after installation. Our rapidly deployable community safe rooms, with or without base, offer peace of mind and federally compliant onsite tornado protection.
“Storms and natural disasters are becoming more frequent and severe. We need to make sure our communities have the tools to accurately predict and quickly respond to dangerous weather events like tornadoes and flash floods,” said Senator Peters. “I’m proud to again help lead this bipartisan bill to improve our nation’s forecasting and warning systems for hazardous weather to protect the lives and livelihoods of folks across our state.”
Construction Site Tornado Shelters
“When a tornado strikes, the most important action we can take is to ensure residents receive ample warning of the incoming storm so they can get to safety. The TORNADO Act is a simple yet crucial piece of legislation that will improve forecasts and communicate the risks of impending tornadoes to help keep those in the path of these devastating storms out of danger,” Senator Cruz said.
Although the federal government doesn’t require onsite storm protection, our construction site tornado shelters give workers more than a fighting chance against Mother Nature’s most destructive force. Project managers can strategically place an above-ground safe room onsite without interrupting the workflow. Furthermore, our tornado shelter rentals cost a fraction of a purchased model, although we also sell construction site tornado shelters for manufacturing facilities, warehouses, and remote operations. Contact us today for temporary jobsite tornado protection.