Code White- Tornado Standard Operating Procedures

Melissa Wornick

Updated July 15, 2025 20:59

Document Information

Section: Safety	Chapter: EAP	Article: Code White SOP
Issue Date: Nov 2024		Revision Date: Oct 2024

Purpose/Introduction

Purpose

The purpose of this Emergency Action Plan for Code White-Tornado is to outline the actions necessary in response to sever weather to ensure the safety of the Pack and Guests.

Definitions

The National Weather Service (NWS) issues two types of bulletins concerning severe weather: a Watch and a Warning.

Tornado Watch is issued when conditions are favorable for tornadoes, but there is no immediate danger. A watch means that tornadoes are possible in the area, and people should be prepared and pay attention to local weather information. Even if a Tornado Watch doesn't progress to a Tornado Warning, while under a Tornado Watch severe weather remains likely and the Lodge should be preparing for high winds and/or lightning in the area

Tornado Warning is Issued when a tornado has been observed or detected by weather radar. A warning means that a tornado is occurring, is imminent, or has a very high probability of occurring, and people should seek shelter immediately.

Phases

Fundamentals

Although emergency situations are rare, we must always be ready. It is important to be able to effectively execute the Emergency Action Plan (EAP) when needed. Although each situation is different, many of the steps are the same and should be considered during the execution of the EAP. There are five major steps that are the phases of the Emergency Action Plan:

Investigate
Communicate
React
Escalate
Review

Further guidance regarding Emergency Action Plan phases and key terms used throughout this SOP can be found in the Emergency Action Plan Standard Operating Procedures

Investigate

Verify if there is a severe weather warning issued by the National Weather Services.
If there is the presence of severe weather such as high winds and/or lightning or a Tornado Watch has been issued:
- Gather information given from local weather sources on the progress of a potential Tornado Warning being issued.

Communicate

Front Line Pack Members/Supervisors/Managers

Notify the MOD and General Manager, if not already aware, and let them know of the weather alert.

MOD Incident Commander/Aquatics 510

MOD and Aquatics Management should be notified to monitor weather conditions.
If a Tornado Watch has been issued call all 10 units and let them know of possible impending weather.
If weather changes to a Tornado Warning switch to ALL CALL and announce a Code White-Tornado. On the OPEN COMMUNICATION channel alert the Pack of the Tornado Warning and where the internal evacuation point is located.

PA (Public Address) Systems may be used in the event of an internal evacuation:

A Public Address System (PA System) is an electronic sound amplification and distribution system which is used to allow Pack Members to address the unique and segmented layouts of our properties through the use of a microphone and/or pre-recorded messages. 
MOD should activate Internal Evacuation announcement to the affected areas
- PA Systems that allow for pre-recorded messages to be activated remotely should be initiated with the building internal evacuation pre-recorded emergency message.
- PA Systems that allow for pre-recorded messages but require the physical presence of a Pack Member at the system should be initiated with the building internal evacuation pre-recorded emergency message.
- PA Systems that require a Pack Member to speak through an enunciator at the location of the system should be initiated by clearly reading the script posted at the panel.

Zingle SMS Notification

Zingle communication should be given to all guests alerting them of the power outage. Make sure to list affected areas and the location we are directing Guests to, if the outage will be prolonged.
Pack Members with access to Zingle for purposes of sending out emergency communications should do so (see Zingle SOP).
- Roles with appropriate Zingle access
  - Guest Services supervisors, managers, and directors
  - Night Audit
  - MOD
  - Security
  - GM/AGM
Zingle can be initiated via its application from anywhere. Within Zingle there is a pre-programmed message to address a Code Down situation that can be activated quickly as explained in the Zingle SOP
There is a 1 second per message delivery, and the message will take time to reach all contacts. Pack Members with access are trained to not send multiple messages simultaneously. Sending multiple group messages can cause significant delays in outgoing communication

React

The following are duties the Pack is responsible for. If a task is not practical and/or will delay your safety, then you should proceed to the nearest “safe area”.

All departments not identified below for specific rolls in this emergency follow Front Line Pack Member guidance.

Frontline Pack Members

Once a Tornado Warning is issued follow Management direction in directing Guest and Pack to internal evacuation “safe areas”. It is important to remain calm, assist Guests as needed.

Supervisors/Managers

Calmly notify Guests that we are evacuating due to severe weather and direct them to “safe areas”.
Ensure that all areas are being evacuated, outlets closed, and Pack is heading to “safe areas” as well.
Complete a Roll Call based on their rosters for the day and ensure all Pack Members are accounted for. The MOD will call for each department to confirm they are all clear.

Specific Department Roles and Responsibilities:

Housekeeping

- If you see any Guests in the hallway, calmly notify them we are evacuating due to severe weather. Advise them to proceed to the designated “safe area”.
- Housekeepers will move all carts back to the closets, and make sure closet doors are closed. Laundry Pack Members will turn off all equipment.
- Once the hallways are clear, all department Pack Members should report to the designated “safe area”

Guest Services

Calmly notify Guests that we are evacuating due to severe weather.
Generate emergency reports and answer only calls from in-house and emergency phones.
Notify Security of all handicap accessible/ADA rooms occupied during internal evacuation.

Aquatics

Monitor radio and television broadcasts, and weather center websites for storm information, advisories and warnings.
Calmly notify guests that we are evacuating due to severe weather and clear the waterpark.
Advise them to exit the area and proceed to the designated “safe area”.
Execute lock down procedures.
Ensure all pools and attractions are shut off.
Once the waterpark is secure, all department Pack Members should then report to the designated “safe area”.
Bring towels to the “safe areas” for guests to use if needed.
Bring the emergency bag in case there is a medical emergency.

Security

Gather handicap accessible/ADA room list from Guest Services. Assist any rooms that may need help evacuating.
Ensure the parking lot gates are manually left open so traffic flow will not be an issue.

Engineering

Check emergency generator, emergency lights, tools, and supplies.
Engineering should secure outside furniture when a Watch has been issued.
Secure all elevators by making sure all elevators are clear of Guests.
When the “All Clear” is given after a Tornado evacuation, the following tasks must be completed:
- Check the status of all major operating systems.
- Pumps
- Elevators
- Gas Lines
- Water Lines

MOD/ Incident Commander

Monitor radio and television broadcasts, and weather center websites for storm information, advisories and warnings.
Be aware of any precautions that can be made safely prior to severe weather such as closing exterior umbrellas, moving patio furniture indoors, bringing in luggage carts, closing retractable roofs, opening or closing windows, etc. Instruct appropriate Pack to complete these tasks as these steps may prevent resort damage and Guest injury.
Keep department heads posted on storm progress.
The MOD/Incident Commander will decide to evacuate the resort depending on the severity of the weather warning and the time available to do so safely.
Direct all Pack Members to OPEN COMMUNICATION channel on the Radio but to cease radio chatter unless absolutely necessary.
Ensure that all areas have been evacuated.
Ensure supplies are available for “safe areas”.
- Flashlights
- Towels
- Water
- Emergency Equipment
MOD will perform a Roll Call, going through each department to confirm that they have evacuated, and all Pack are accounted for.

Escalate

MOD should notify their AGM and GM for all Code White situations.
- For extended Code Down, situations Corporate Risk Management and RVP should be notified through the Emergency Communication Channel.
For any extended closures Corporate Pack will work with MOD/GM on communication for incoming guests, to notify them of the Code White and estimated closure times.

Review

Front Line Pack Members/Supervisors

Pack should return to their respective areas in the building and proceed to perform all opening inspections again and prepare to reopen all outlets.

Supervisors/Manager

Supervisors should do a roll call ensuring all Pack is accounted for.
Department 10 unit will verify with MOD that all Pack has re-entered the building or if any are still not accounted for.
- Manager will partner with MOD in the event there are unaccounted for Pack Members before re-opening attractions.

MOD/Security

Security should assist at the entrance of the waterpark with guest reentry.
Verify all equipment has successfully come back online.
If the Tornado Warning will be out for a prolonged period extending past several hours an evaluation of Guest impact should be conducted.
- Approach Guest compensation and reallocation of Guests if needed.
If the Code Down was caused due to damage to the property a Damage Report should be conducted.
- The Director of Engineering should provide a detailed damage report with an estimate of repair costs together with the time required to re-open the area for business. The Director of Finance shall prepare a report assessing the total cost of fire damage including repairs, replacement costs, loss of revenue and all such cost implications.
MOD and General Manager will evaluate Guest impact and approach to compensation or reallocation of Guests as needed.
Inspect areas of the resort for storm damage or unsafe conditions.
Verify that all attractions successfully reopened.

In any Lodge Emergency the Corporate team will provide support and guidance throughout the entire process. The General Manager and MOD will work directly with this support team to give any additional direction.

Articles in this section