Emergency Preparedness in the Workplace
With so much time being spent in the workplace, it’s essential to know the ins and outs of the emergency preparedness infrastructure that may or may not be in place.
If you take a look around and realize that the company you work for is not prepared, consider speaking up for the future safety of you and your coworkers.
What can you do to integrate emergency preparedness procedures into your workplace culture?
- As always, start by knowing your region, and identifying external emergency response resources
- Assemble a planning committee
- Obtain necessary safety equipment, and make sure everyone has access to all equipment and knows how to use it. Some of these items include:
- a fire extinguisher
- emergency food, such as our SOS 3600 Calorie Food Bars
- emergency water, such as our Blue Can 50 Year Shelf Life Water
- a first-aid kit
- smoke detectors
- Write a plan that
- designates a person to be in charge
- includes a warning system
- considers the special needs of employees with disabilities and medical conditions
- includes procedures for communicating with employees, family, emergency responders and the media, throughout an emergency situation
- includes procedures for evacuation, shelters-in-place and other area hazards that are specific to your region
- includes procedures for responding to injuries
- Develop a Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP) that
- ensures that the system and files are backed up electronically
- spreads out the responsibility among the staff
- Train employees/coworkers and practice the plan!
For a closer look at emergency preparedness in the workplace, try reading through this handy Workplace Safety Toolkit!
You can also find more information on our blog!
- Useful Accessories to Complete your Emergency Supplies
- What Were you Missing when the Power went Out?
- Is Your Emergency Food Supply GMO Free?
