Tue 16 Sep 2008
Emergency Prepardness
Posted by Allan under Safety , The Compliance Resource Center , Emergency , First Responders , Emergency Planning , Emergency Response , American Red Cross , Homeland Security , FEMA , Employee SafetyNo Comments
We recently experienced 2 very powerful hurricanes, which not only left damage and destruction throughout the south, but also impacted the midwest with heavy rainfalls and flooding. So was your company or organization emergency ready? Many were not.
FEMA, Homeland Security, The Red Cross, along with others have materials to help you prepare for disruption of your business.
Here are some things you might want to consider:
- Back up your computer system. Make sure your computers are backed up, preferably off site, and the programs to restore your business data are current. Also, practice restoring your system. After the fact is not the time to test.
- Set up an employee call network. Get employee phone and cell numbers and break your workforce into groups. If there is a natural disaster, have one person in charge of calling everyone in their group, then reporting back to management.
- Have adequate generator capacity. Make sure you have a generator that can run your facility before a disaster strikes. Needless to say, a reliable fuel source is a must. Set it up and test it.
- Stockpile supplies. Store non-perishable food items and other essentials that may be needed after a storm, to create an environment where employees will want to come to work. If you take care of your employees after a disaster, they will take care of you.
- Train first responders on emergency procedures and then all the employees. Ensure that first responders have adequate notice to get employees to a safe area depending on the diaster.
- Secure your facility unless in the case of fire there is no time.
- Plan for after the diaster. Designate a team to assess damages and take stock of what’s happened after the danger has passed.
You can also review Compliance Resource Center articles on Emergency Prepardness:
Exit Routes and Emergency Action Plans (1910.33)
Emergency Preparedness Be Ready
Communications Preparedness Tips
NFPA Evacuation Guide to People with Disabilities
There are more articles at www.thecrcenter.com. So now is the time if you do not have a emergency plan GET ONE and the other important word is PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE.
