What's Your Emergency Response Plan?

Do you have an emergency response plan? Do you have what you need to leave in a hurry if (when) an emergency strikes your workplace? Can you protect your employees and your clients/customers? As we head into National Preparedness Month, and the kids are back in school, it is a good time to pull together the basics needed in case of emergency. Let's start with an evacuation plan.

Imagine the alarms are blaring and you have to leave NOW! You can smell the smoke, this one is FOR REAL.

Yes, the first responders will show up. But, they have a job to do which is to put out the fire and secure the scene. If you need emergency medical care, they'll take care of you. But, otherwise, it is up to you to look out for your employees and customers. Are you ready?

Do you have comfortable shoes to get out and away from the building? Do you have any employees or clients in the building who will require assistance in getting out?

Are alternate exits accessible and clearly visible?

Are your files backed up? Do you have a grab-and-go thumb drive or packet of key documents?

Do you have a communication plan in place -- for employees and customers? Can you press a button and forward the phones offsite? Do you have all the contact numbers you'll need if you can't get back into your building or if your files and computers are destroyed?

Take the time to make your evacuation plan and practice it with your staff. Start today. You'll sleep better tonight.

1. Check the exits. Make sure all exits are kept clear of obstructions. Set a policy and enforce it.
   
2. Establish a rally point away from the building. Make sure it is accessible.
   
3. Review your file backup process. Make it automatic.
   
4. Put together a key document flash drive or packet. A flash drive can be put on a key ring or ID lanyard so it is always ready.
   
5. Develop a communication plan. Get all employee contact information--home, cell, alternate numbers and email addresses. Make sure to have information for key clients, suppliers, insurance agents, etc. as well. Establish a protocol for keeping in touch if the building and/or phones and/or email are not available. Put together some website and social media posts ahead of time that you can edit quickly. Put them on that flash drive. Work with your phone company, corporate office, or a receptionist service to set up an emergency call forwarding system.
   
6. Assign responsibilities to specific employees. Everyone should have a back up, since the emergency will always happen when the assigned person is out sick or on vacation!
   
7. Practice your plan. 

Congratulations. Don't you feel better now?