Introduction
An emergency plan is a critical component of any organization’s security and safety program. It should be designed to protect the safety of employees, customers, and visitors during an emergency situation. The plan should be tailored to the specific needs of the organization and the type of emergency that is most likely to occur.
There are six key elements that should be included in an emergency plan:
- An evacuation plan that includes designated escape routes and safe areas
- A communication plan to ensure everyone knows what to do and who to contact in case of an emergency
- A plan for accounting for all employees, customers, and visitors during and after an emergency situation
- A plan for providing first aid and medical assistance
- A plan for dealing with utility failures or other environmental hazards
- A plan for dealing with workplace violence
The 6 requirements of an emergency plan
In order to be prepared for an emergency, you need to have a plan. This plan should include six key elements: communication, transportation, food and water, shelter, first aid, and finances. Let’s take a closer look at each one.
A clear chain of command
A clear chain of command is an important element of an effective emergency plan. It ensures that everyone knows who is responsible for what and who to report to in the event of an emergency. It also helps to ensure that everyone is aware of the roles and responsibilities of each member of the team.
Trained personnel
In addition to having the proper supplies, you also need to have trained personnel. This means that you need to have people on your team who know how to use the supplies and who are familiar with the emergency procedures. They should also be able to stay calm under pressure and be able to think clearly in order to make the best decisions possible.
The necessary equipment
A well-stocked emergency kit is a necessary part of any household’s disaster preparedness. The following is a list of the basic items your kit should include:
-Water, one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation
-Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
-Battery-powered or hand crank radio and an NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert
–Flashlight
–First aid kit
-Whistle to signal for help
-Dust mask to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place
-Moist towelettes, garbage bags, and plastic ties for personal sanitation
-Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
-Manual can opener for food
-Local maps
Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery
Adequate supplies
One of the most important aspects of an emergency plan is making sure you have adequate supplies on hand. This includes food, water, medicine, and other necessary items.
It’s important to have enough food and water for everyone in your family for at least three days. Make sure to include non-perishable items, as well as baby food and formula if you have young children.
You should also have a first-aid kit stocked with basic supplies, along with any prescription medications you or your family members take. Don’t forget to include any extra items like contact lenses or hearing aids if you or someone in your family use them.
Finally, make sure you have other necessary supplies like flashlights, batteries, a fire extinguisher, and a portable radio.
An effective communications system
The Emergency Management Guide for Business & Industry helps organizations develop a comprehensive all-hazards emergency management program. The first step in developing an effective program is to prepare an emergency operations plan.
The emergency operations plan should address all six key components of an effective emergency management program:
1) Communications
2) Warning/alerting systems
3) Evacuation procedures
4) Shelter-in-place procedures
5) Employee assistance programs
6) Recovery strategies
A well-rehearsed plan
When emergencies happen, they can happen fast. That’s why it’s important to have an emergency plan in place so you and your family know what to do in case of a fire, flood, or another disaster.
Here are six things your emergency plan should include:
- A designated meeting place: Pick a safe spot outside of your home where everyone can meet in case you need to evacuate.
- An escape route: Practice evacuating your home with everyone in your family so you can do it quickly and efficiently. Map out at least two routes from each room in your house.
- A communication plan: In case you can’t reach each other by cellphone, have a backup plan for how you will get in touch. This could include meeting up at the designated meeting place or using a landline or social media to communicate.
- A plan for what to do with pets: Pets can’t evacuate on their own, so make sure you have a plan for how you will take them with you or care for them if you can’t return home right away. This could include having a list of pet-friendly hotels or shelters, as well as friends or family who are willing to petit.
- A grab-and-go bag: Keep a bag packed with essentials like water, non-perishable food, first-aid supplies, and medications so you can grab it and go if you need to evacuate quickly.
- A list of important phone numbers: Keep a list of emergency contacts like the police or fire department, as well as numbers for your insurance company and any other service providers you may need during an emergency situation.
Conclusion
An emergency plan should be comprehensive and address all potential hazards. It should be designed to protect employees, customers, and the general public. It should be reviewed and updated regularly. An emergency plan should include the following six elements:
1) Evacuation procedures
2) Shelter-in-place procedures
3) Lockdown procedures
4) First aid and medical procedures
5) Communications protocols
6) Disaster recovery plans