Creating an Emergency Action Plan for Your Business | SERVPRO® of Piscataway

Planning for an emergency at your business is not only a smart way to keep your employees safe, but it’s also a good business decision. By knowing what to do immediately after a disaster occurs at your business, you will be able to protect your assets and ensure you are able to reopen more quickly after the disaster occurs.

It may seem overwhelming to plan for an emergency, but there are guidelines on how to begin and what to include that can help you get started toward preparedness.

How to Begin Planning for a Workplace Emergency

Though not all employers are legally required to have an emergency action plan, even if you are not, it is a good idea to create one in order to provide peace of mind should a disaster occur.

It is important to thoroughly assess all the possible risks that could affect your business, as well as things that a business in your industry may be specifically prone to (i.e. restaurants having a higher risk of fire). By brainstorming the worst-case scenarios you may face, you will be able to more thoroughly plan for events that could potentially occur.

What Should Be Included in an Emergency Action Plan?

After you understand your risks and how to plan for them, actually creating the emergency action plan will be the next step. While the emergency plan should create an overview of what to do for any emergency, there are OSHA guidelines about what a business’ Emergency Action Plan must include:

  • The procedure for reporting emergencies, including specific employee responsibilities
  • The evacuation plan, including floor plans, safe areas and escape routes
  • Contact information for personnel who should be contacted for information in case of an emergency
  • Proper procedures for equipment shutdown (if any) before exiting
  • Information on any employees certified in CPR or First Aid

Though it is not required, there are other things that may be helpful to include, such as:

  • A secure location to store documents pertaining to the business, such as a safety deposit box
  • An alternate command center in the event of a fire or other events

If your business has experienced a disaster, give us a call. We are fully certified in commercial restoration and here to help 24⁄7.