Nobody expects an emergency or disaster, especially one that affects them, their employees, or their business personally. Yet, emergencies and disasters can strike anyone, anytime, and anywhere. You and your employees could be forced to evacuate your workplace when you least expect it.
This guide is designed to help you plan for that outcome if something like that happens. Our goal is to help you find ways to best protect yourself, your co-workers, and your business.
What Makes a Workplace Emergency Different?
A workplace emergency, just like other emergencies, can happen at any time and in any place. It can threaten your employees, customers, or the public, disrupt or shut down your operations, or cause physical or environmental damage.
Practice Makes Perfect
It’s essential to practice your emergency plan ahead of time, before anything happens. Regular practice helps you stay aware and modify your plan when necessary. We recommend practicing your emergency plan every six months, and adjusting it if required.
Make sure everyone is aware of their responsibilities during a workplace emergency. When an emergency occurs, the first priority is always life safety. Several actions can be taken to stabilize an incident and minimize potential damage:
- Trained employees can administer first aid and CPR, which can save lives.
- Trained employees can use fire extinguishers to put out small fires.
- Containing a small chemical spill can prevent further damage.
- Monitoring building utilities and systems can help minimize environmental damage.
These actions can make a significant difference when handled correctly and at the right time.
Establishing a Preparedness Plan
A preparedness plan should be established, and necessary resources should be readily available. The plan should include processes for damage assessment, salvage, protection of undamaged property, and cleanup following an incident. These actions help minimize further damage and business disruption.
Stay Ready, Stay Safe
At The Ready Store, we encourage you to review appropriate actions to ensure safety during uncertain times. Whether it's a job loss or an oncoming hurricane, we can help you stay prepared with food, water, and emergency supplies. We are always here to ensure that you are ready for anything.