About tornado watch/warning

[GoofyPalWalt]

The article about there being a Tornado Watch in effect for central Florida was very interesting, but it was just a reprint of the weather service notification. Can any CMs tell me what the Disney policy/procedure is if there is a Warning issued, meaning a tornado is in the area or is imminent? How do they notify the guests? Where are the guests to go? There certainly isn't much time and not a lot of "safe" structures.

 

[draybook]

The fallout shelters are filled by FP+ only.


Sorry, I couldn't resist.

 

[JohnD]

I don't know their exact procedures but I'm sure they are all trained to spring into action and direct guests to the nearest shelters. Wouldn't be surprised if MK uses the utilidors.

 

[Kamikaze]

The article about there being a Tornado Watch in effect for central Florida was very interesting, but it was just a reprint of the weather service notification. Can any CMs tell me what the Disney policy/procedure is if there is a Warning issued, meaning a tornado is in the area or is imminent? How do they notify the guests? Where are the guests to go? There certainly isn't much time and not a lot of "safe" structures.

Being the threat of hurricanes in FL is much higher than that of tornadoes, all permanent structures are built to the hurricane code. This means they will probably stand up well to tornadoes as well.

 

[rangerbob]

I can say that I never had any training in severe weather procedures when I worked for the mouse. I was buses and in reservations but picked up a lot of other shifts in MGM.

 

[Minthorne]

The procedure is Mickey puts the hat on and...

 

[I_heart_Tigger]

When I worked there (late 90's) I was part of the Hurricane Task Force - yes I realize it sounds like a group of superheroes. I worked at the Canadian Pavilion. We would be notified of the impending weather from the lead task force member (usually a manager) and would first start closing up the tents and outdoor carts. At this point we would notify any passing guests we were closing due to impending weather.

I would notify all the CM's in the Canadian and UK pavilions and the custodial staff in the area so they could assist in closing outdoor locations and advising guests of the weather and our recommendations of where to go.

There are a number of larger capacity areas for guests to go if they cannot get to their resort. The movie theatres in the pavilions are good and they are generally within a short walk of anywhere in World Showcase. If the weather was further off we often suggested heading to a restaurant or one of the resorts through IG as their wait would be more comfortable.

Store front doors are closed but not locked so guests can still come in. Anything not attached to the ground including garbage cans, standing signs, ropes for queues etc is brought inside. Greeters are brought out from Kidcot areas to speak with guests and advise on the weather and the safest places to go.

It honestly doesn't happen often. Disney can withstand a lot of weather before emergency procedures need to take place. The task force members are the one's trained and they advise other CM's where they are needed and what to do.

 

[marni1971]

A lot of structures are designated storm shelters, as said above.

Utilidors, theatre buildings in futureworld and Showcase and Studios, ride space at GMR and Dinosuar. All designed to be stronger than normal. Nothing will survive a direct F5 of course though.

 

[copcarguyp71]

A lot of structures are designated storm shelters, as said above.

Utilidors, theatre buildings in futureworld and Showcase and Studios, ride space at GMR and Dinosuar. All designed to be stronger than normal. Nothing will survive a direct F5 of course though.

Well....except for Jimmy Thick and cockroaches....