| It is important to prepare the workplace for the | | | | - Stock a work-place emergency kit. It is |
| event a major disaster or emergency. After all, | | | | important to have a well-thought-out emergency |
| your employees likely spend over 8 hours each | | | | kit onsite. This kit might include safety vests (aka |
| day at the office, so the possibility of a being at | | | | incident command vests) for the designated |
| work during a major catastrophe is high. Your | | | | disaster leaders, multiple first aid kits, and a small |
| office may be at risk from everything from fires | | | | battery-operated AM/FM Radio. Please visit our |
| and severe weather, to terrorist acts. Just as you | | | | emergency checklist article for a comprehensive |
| might purchase insurance, it is important to arm | | | | list of recommended emergency kit products. |
| your workforce with the tools they might need | | | | - Prepare emergency checklists. Develop a series |
| were there to be a work-place emergency. | | | | of checklists for each possible disaster that the |
| These tools can mean the difference between | | | | incident command leaders can refer to in times of |
| order and chaos, and even life and death. | | | | emergency. These lists create structure, help |
| The following is a list of best practices for | | | | prevent mistakes, and can ultimately save lives |
| preparing your workplace. | | | | and money. |
| - Know your risks and be prepared. Every | | | | - Communicate the importance of disaster |
| community is susceptible to specific disasters. | | | | preparedness. Let your employees know that the |
| Know the risks of your environment, take the | | | | office is prepared, who the designated |
| appropriate preventative measures, and develop | | | | emergency leaders are, and the official processes |
| plans for what to do in the case of these | | | | and evacuation routes. Communicating |
| emergencies. FEMA can provide comprehensive | | | | preparedness can reduce workplace anxiety and |
| documentation of the risks your community faces | | | | simply having a plan will make the office a safer |
| and the recommended procedures in the case | | | | environment. |
| these events transpire. | | | | This information is not intended to supplement or |
| - Designate on-site incident command leaders. | | | | replace advice from the Federal Emergency |
| These individuals will coordinate evacuations and | | | | Management Agency (FEMA), but rather serve as |
| lead all emergency-related activities. They should | | | | a starting point for creating your workplace |
| be aware of what supplies are available, where | | | | emergency preparedness strategy. For the best |
| these supplies are kept, and all emergency | | | | information on emergency preparedness, please |
| practices and procedures. | | | | visit FEMA's website (link to FEMA). |