| A plan of emergencies should take into account the | | | | Check all evacuation routes and emergency exits are |
| type of business you are in and the nature of your | | | | and make sure they are wide enough to |
| worksite. Emergencies and disasters can occur any | | | | accommodate the number of people evacuating and |
| time without warning. The more you are prepared | | | | the routes are always clear. |
| for them, the better you will be able to act, | | | | Designate a person to account for all employees, |
| minimizing panic and confusion when an emergency | | | | visitors, and customers. |
| occurs. Many small businesses have non-effective | | | | Establish specific evacuation procedures and meeting |
| plans in place, and some have no formal processes at | | | | place once an evacuation has taken place. |
| all. | | | | Hold emergency drills at least once a year to ensure |
| To start or even update an emergency plan, start by | | | | that employees know what to do in an emergency |
| addressing the following: | | | | and to test the effectiveness of emergency exit |
| How well prepared is your business now? | | | | routes and procedures. Keep records of such drills. |
| What procedures do you already have in place for an | | | | Consider the transportation needs of employees. |
| emergency situation? | | | | Post evacuation procedures where employees can |
| What potential emergency situations could occur? | | | | read them. |
| Act Now! | | | | Establish procedures for assisting people with |
| To help address the questions above, look at these | | | | disabilities and people who do not speak English. |
| basic guidelines to develop an effective emergency | | | | Consider how you would contact employees in an |
| response plan for your workplace: | | | | emergency. This contact sheet should include contact |
| For each potential emergency, determine if | | | | numbers, a family member's contact numbers, and |
| evacuation would be necessary. | | | | medical care information. |
| Designate first and secondary evacuation routes and | | | | By following these guidelines, an emergency response |
| emergency exits. Make sure they are clearly marked | | | | evacuation plan can be installed in your workplace. |
| and well lit. Post signs and maps on routes. | | | | Once your plan has been written and posted, test it. |
| Check or install emergency lighting in case a power | | | | Training will ensure all people will evacuate safely. |
| outage occurs during an evacuation. | | | | |