Protecting employees and vehicles from storms and floods

Every year, natural perils such as storms, cyclones, floods and hail cause damage to thousands of vehicles across Australia. It is possible though for organisations to plan for these events thus protecting employees and their vehicles from a potentially harmful situation.

Consider the following with regards to storm and flood events:

• Is there a storm and flood plan in place? – A plan could include alternate venues to shelter vehicles and employees during a weather event.
• Are employees aware of what to do and how to react in response to storm and flood?
• Can large concentrations of company vehicles be avoided? If not, what are the options for relocation of vehicles when a storm is on its way?
• Consider where employees park. Avoid areas if possible which are known for flooding including the family home.
• Are protective measures for hail such as permanent netting for large areas or hail covers for individual cars feasible?
• Set employees up with an early warning system. There are phone applications for SMART phones which relay weather warnings based on a drivers location. One example of such an App is: www.ewn.com.au – scroll down this website for App details, under “our services”.
• Consider other natural perils such as bush fires in your emergency management plan.

Ensure employees are safe and vehicles protected with the following tips:

• Move vehicles into a garage or other covered structure if possible.
• If caught in a weather event avoid speeding as this can lead to a crash – instead look for a safe place to shelter until the event passes. Be aware of the vehicle’s surroundings. If possible move the vehicle away from trees or other objects.
• If visibility is reduced, pull well off the road if possible to avoid other traffic.
• Turn the vehicle’s lights on to increase visibility while driving and use the hazard lights if required to stop.
• Avoid driving through flood waters of any depth.
  • Six inches of water will reach the bottom of most passenger cars causing loss of control and possible stalling.
  • A foot of water will float many vehicles.
  • Two feet of rushing water can carry away most vehicles including sport utility vehicles (SUV’s) and pick-ups.
• If the vehicle is damaged then attempt to protect the vehicle from further damage, if safe to do so, by covering the affected area with plastic or other material.

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