Emergency Evacuation Planning

Emergency Evacuation Planning

emergency evacuation

When an emergency occurs, there is no time to organize as every second becomes valuable. Emergency evacuation planning can make a difference and save lives.

What constitutes a workplace emergency or disaster?

A workplace emergency or disaster is an unforeseen situation that threatens your employees, customers or the public; disrupts or shuts down your operations, or cause physical or environmental damage. Emergencies may be natural or manmade and may include the following:

  • Chemical emergency
  • Civil disturbances
  • Earthquake
  • Fire
  • Flood
  • Hurricane
  • Medical emergency
  • Power outage
  • Terrorism
  • Tsunami
  • Volcano euruptions
  • Wildfire
  • Workplace violence resulting in bodily harm and trauma

Why we need to be prepared

  • To protect employees, customers, others from hazards at the facility
  • To maintain customer service by minimizing interruptions or disruptions of business operations
  • To protect facilities, physical assets and electronic information
  • To prevent environmental contamination

What is an Emergency Action Plan (EAP)?

The purpose of an EAP and emergency evacuation planning is to facilitate and organize employer and employee actions during workplace emergencies. The elements of the plan should include, but are no limited to:

  • Evacuation procedures & emergency escape route assignments
  • Procedures for employees who remain to operate critical operations
  • Employee accountability procedure after evacuation
  • Rescue and medical duties
  • Means of reporting fires and other emergencies names/job titles of persons who can be contacted

How do we successfully implement an EAP?

Drafting an EEP is not enough to ensure the safety of your employees and businesses. When an evacuation is necessary, you will need responsible, trained individuals who can supervise and coordinate activities to ensure a safe and successful evacuation. In addition, the EAP will be useful only if its content is up-to-date and employees are sufficiently educated and trained before and actual evacuation.

In order to successfully implement the EEP, you need to have a clear chain of command (aka authority) periodic employee training, and effective plan review, coordination and update.

Talk to Your Agent

Talk to your insurance agent today to create a business insurance package that covers risks common in your industry and specific to your business needs.

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