Author: Tammy Doss
With all the crazy weather and power outages we've been having lately, we thought now was a good time to go over how you deal with emergencies, whether caused by the weather or otherwise.
Your employer needs to know if you are safe and employable for the dates you are scheduled. The best way to communicate with your employer might not be the current option you are using, once you are faced with deteriorating weather, wind, snow, or any other serious storm conditions. Anytime you have an unusual change in either weather or circumstances, contact your employer right away. This also applies if you are sick, hurt, or if there has been an accident or family emergency. Communication is always the key.
With that in mind, get creative and send them a text message, e-mail, homing pigeon, or any other means of communication (okay, maybe not a homing pigeon). Someone in your inner circle can also communicate on your behalf if you are incapacitated, but without your help, they may not know the correct numbers to contact your employer, family, or friends. Keep a good emergency contact list on your phone and at home, and ask your loved ones to do so as well so you can be their advocate.
Important things to put on your phone and on your list are the local emergency websites for your utility companies. For instance, if you live in California, download your local PG&E emergency website, where you can view the outages in your area and see a map of who else around you is having power outages.
Other sites that may be informational to you, showing water issues, sea surges, local tide flows, etc., are all easy to find. This one, offering Hydro River Guidance in California, may be somewhat helpful.
When there is a situation, don’t just call 911 unless you or someone else is in danger. Find your local emergency business numbers and add this to your contact list for Fire and Police. Often, questions can be answered without occupying the valuable time of operators/dispatchers during a full-blown emergency.
Finally, don’t wait until it is too late. Have an emergency supply box available for you and your family. Simple items like water, flashlights, snacks, light medical supplies (bandages, etc.), a good blanket, and a sleeping bag or two all tucked away in the right place so you can grab and go or stay. A good portable phone charger (charged) is essential. When power outages occur, you will need your phone fully charged to get warnings, updates, and be able to stay in contact with family, friends, and authorities. Another tip is to keep your automobile filled with gas. Even a half-filled tank may be beneficial for you to get away from a devastating weather catastrophe.
Of course, it is not all doom and gloom. These are mostly things you can do when there is not a storm. The Job Shop is looking out for you RAIN or SHINE. Give us a call, and we can allow you to SHINE all year long.