Tonight there’s a Tornado Watch in our community. I never grew up where there were tornadoes. Ever! Each time I hear the weather radio alert us; I always have to remember what the difference is between a Watch and a Warning. And which is more severe. It’s kinda important!

A Watch always feels like it should be worst than a Warning. But here’s the definitions:

Watch: This is issued by the National Weather Service when conditions are favorable for the development of tornadoes in and close to the watch area. Their size can vary depending on the weather situation. They are usually issued for a duration of 4 to 8 hours. They normally are issued well in advance of the actual occurrence of severe weather. During the watch, people should review tornado safety rules and be prepared to move a place of safety if threatening weather approaches.

Warning: This is issued when a tornado is indicated by the WSR-88D radar or sighted by spotters; therefore, people in the affected area should seek safe shelter immediately. They can be issued without a Tornado Watch being already in effect. They are usually issued for a duration of around 30 minutes.

When I reminded myself of the definitions tonight, I wondered how a Business Disaster Watch and a Business Disaster Warning would be defined. Here’s a crack at it:

Watch: This is issued by your sales team (or bookkeepers) when ‘pipeline’ conditions appear to be stopping or severely slowing. The downturn can vary depending on the effort of your leadership. They normally and should be issued well in advance of the actual occurrence of the downturn. During the watch, leaders should review business, sales and management rules and be prepared to move, change and save cash as quickly as possible.

Warning: This is issued when the dismal numbers are shown in your regular accounting reports; therefore, people and leaders in the affected business should consider drastic changes and a very conservative fiscal approach. They can be issued without a Business Disaster Watch being already in effect.

The faster you react the better. Take cover immediately — but actively consider ALL business approaches (actively pursue marketing and sales). You can’t act fast enough. It could mean saving your business. Tonight, the storm passed without any tornado. And hopefully, the business atmosphere will improve soon so that the ALERTS will die down. I’m praying for that. Please join me!