Police Facilities - Severe Weather Plan - Police Headquarters

A weather alert issued when radar detects a possible tornado or a funnel cloud, posing an immediate threat to life and property.

City sirens will continue to sound after the initial warning until the immediate threat posed by the tornado has passed.

A warning issued when radar indicates a severe thunderstorm with large hail or damaging winds, posing an imminent threat to safety.

City sirens will sound continuously for three minutes when a Severe Thunderstorm Warning is issued.

A warning issued when a flash flood is already happening or about to happen, demanding immediate action.

During a Flash Flood Warning, impacted areas may receive a Wireless Emergency Message (often via text) with an expiration time indicating when the threat is expected to subside.

Designated employees are responsible for maintaining order and preventing panic during evacuations, ensuring everyone is safely evacuated.

Designated employees must provide reassurance during evacuations by remaining calm and giving clear information and instructions.

Designated employees should suggest positive actions and indicate what to do, rather than focusing on what not to do, to help prevent panic during evacuations.

When a tornado or severe thunderstorm warning is issued, all CPHQ employees must evacuate to the Garage Level using the nearest stairwell.

During a severe weather emergency, Front Desk employees on “B” shift and Telephone Report Squad employees on “A” and “C” shifts broadcast emergency announcements over the PA system.

The Front Desk Sergeant ensures contact with the responsible Floor Monitor in case of inoperable intercom speakers, using an updated phone listing for each Floor Monitor.

During a severe weather event, employees on floors 3 through 6 will evacuate to the west side of the Garage Level of CPHQ, using the stairs. Floor Monitors and Alternates will provide guidance and support.

Individuals on Floor 1 may stay in their location unless instructed otherwise.

All personnel in the Police Supply Unit (PSU) remain in their location unless they're given different instructions.

The Front Desk Sergeant or their designated replacement on the “A” or “C” shift evacuates to the Garage Level’s guard shack, establishing a temporary command post.

When severe weather occurs, the Information Channel broadcasts a notice of temporary unavailability and evacuates from their post.

Unit/squad commanders or their designated representatives at CPHQ are responsible for securely storing cash, negotiable instruments, records, and other valuables during severe weather events.

Supervisors conduct an accounting of valuables in each workspace once a severe weather emergency has ended.

The Front Desk Sergeant or their designated replacement will announce the “All Clear” to all personnel, indicating the end of the severe weather event.

The highest-ranking employee in the building is responsible for sharing severe weather warnings with all occupants.

The building's PA system is used to announce severe weather warnings.

During a tornado warning, all personnel must evacuate to the basement or lowest level floor using the nearest stairwell.

When in the safe area, gather in the innermost part of the building, away from windows.

Civilians coming for shelter must be escorted to the lowest level and innermost part of the building.

The highest-ranking employee in the building will announce the “All Clear” when the severe weather emergency ends.

When tornado or severe weather sirens sound, it indicates a severe weather precaution is in effect.

All employees must evacuate to the lowest level floor when a severe weather warning is issued.

The Facility Manager or a designated supervisor is responsible for broadcasting severe weather announcements through the PA system, ensuring everyone is aware of the danger and evacuation procedures.

During a tornado warning, employees must evacuate to designated safe rooms on the bottom floor (Room 104, Room 110, Virtra room, or gun cleaning room) using the nearest stairwell.

If civilians seek shelter at the OPSTC during a severe weather emergency, employees must escort them to a designated safe room and ensure they are never left unattended.

The Facility Manager or Facility Supervisors must notify everyone when the severe weather emergency has ended (the “All Clear” is given). People should remain in their evacuation location until this notification is received.

When a Flash Flood Warning is issued, employees at all OPD facilities must notify everyone on the PA system about the precaution. The highest-ranking employee in each building is responsible for this notification.

During a Flash Flood Warning at CPHQ, Front Desk employees on "B" Shift are responsible for notifying everyone, while Telephone Report Squad employees on "A" and "C" Shifts take this task.

The Facility Manager or Facility Supervisor is responsible for notifying everyone about a Flash Flood Warning at the OPSTC, using the PA system.

In all OPD facilities, the highest ranking employee on duty is ultimately responsible for notifying everyone about a Flash Flood Warning.

During a flash flood warning, employees on the 1st and 2nd floors of the CPHQ building should evacuate to higher floors. However, this may not apply to other OPD facilities, where employees in single-story buildings should head to safety or higher ground.

In case of a severe weather emergency, all employees at OPD facilities should evacuate to the highest floor using the nearest stairwell. Civilians seeking shelter should be escorted to designated safe areas.

Once the severe weather emergency ends, the designated personnel at CPHQ, OPSTC, or other OPD facilities will announce the "All Clear" signal. Individuals should remain in their evacuation location until the "All Clear" is given.

The Front Desk Sergeant or designee at CPHQ is responsible for notifying all personnel of the "All Clear" signal, signifying the end of the severe weather emergency.

Individuals with mobility impairments have the best understanding of their own abilities and know what's best for them in an emergency situation. They should make decisions based on their individual needs.

In case of severe weather emergencies at CPHQ, the Front Desk employees of the "B" shift and Telephone Report Squad employees of the "A" and "C" shifts are responsible for broadcasting emergency announcements over the PA system.

When severe weather occurs, the Information Channel should broadcast a notice about temporary unavailability and evacuate from their post.

Supervisors are responsible for verifying the safekeeping of valuable assets, such as cash, negotiable instruments, and records, after a severe weather emergency has ended. Checking these items is crucial for ensuring continuity of operations.