Thunderstorm / Tornado Procedures for all Staff
Refuge animal care staff utilize cell phone weather apps and monitor consistently throughout days of inclement weather. Be sure to be aware of Refuge County – Carroll as well as neighboring Madison County specifically. Also pay attention, to neighboring areas west of Eureka Springs, as that is commonly where weather systems will come from. This will allow for potential earlier warnings.
During hours of operation, weather alerts will be issued by the Senior staff. Depending on the forecast – animal care may: not shift any animals into habitats, shift only some animals into their habitats or all animals may be shifted back into night houses if they already had access
Gift shop staff will post signage on the front door which indicates that the tour schedule may be interrupted or that tours are completely canceled. Gift shop and office staff are to advise any guests entering the refuge or calling for information of these changes. Visitors already at the refuge will be asked to come inside and highly encouraged to leave the property and can be issued either an “all-day pass” or refund depending on the circumstances.
If not already, all cats will be shifted into their night houses for safety by animal care staff/interns. This is done to prevent animal escape and or injuries due to falling trees, flying debris, and primary containment failure. Animal care staff/interns may also be asked to put away equipment or tools from projects, begin preparing diets and feeding the animals early, etc
All staff will assist in securing any lightweight or building materials that could become a concern due to high winds. Also, close and secure all overhead doors, entry doors, and storage tarps. This will help prevent material from becoming an airborne projectile that could cause injury to you, visitors and the animals. It also will prevent potential damage to animal exhibits, support structures, equipment, and buildings. If a window or door glass breaks due to high winds, drawn shades may reduce the risk from flying glass.
Be aware that this region of the state is prone to violent electrical storms. If lightning is in the area, visitors will be asked to take shelter in the gift shop and/or leave the property. All workers will also seek shelter and avoid trees and metal structures including fences, people rails, gates, etc. If you find yourself in a position where there is no immediate shelter available, find a low spot away from trees and power poles where you can squat low to the ground. Make yourself the smallest target possible
Office and Gift Shop staff should unplug equipment to prevent damage due to lightning strikes or power surges.
In case of either thunderstorm or tornado, after animals are secured and guests assisted, All personnel should move into safe zones or the nearest appropriate building. Take all emergency equipment and first aid equipment with you into the buildings. If shelter is not available or there is no time to get indoors, lie in a ditch, culvert, or low-lying area or crouch near a strong building. Use arms to protect head and neck. Stay aware of the potential for flash flooding.
Depending on the forecast and current conditions, all non-essential staff may be asked to leave early or not come into work.
Try to get out of damaged buildings. Once out of damaged buildings, do not reenter unless absolutely necessary. Use great caution. After the storm passes, check for injured victims and animals. Render first aid if necessary. If you are not trained in CPR/First Aid call for assistance on the radio. Do not attempt to move severely injured victims unless absolutely necessary. Stabilize the victim and wait for emergency medical assistance. Notify the Animal Care Staff of any animal injuries. Monitor your radio at all times for further instruction.
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