A plan of emergencies should take into account the type of business you are in and the nature of your worksite. Emergencies and disasters can occur any time without warning. The more you are prepared for them, the better you will be able to act, minimizing panic and confusion when an emergency occurs. Many small businesses have non-effective plans in place, and some have no formal processes at all.

To start or even update an emergency plan, start by addressing the following:

How well prepared is your business now?

What procedures do you already have in place for an emergency situation?

What potential emergency situations could occur?

Act Now!

To help address the questions above, look at these basic guidelines to develop an effective emergency response plan for your workplace:

For each potential emergency, determine if evacuation would be necessary.

Designate first and secondary evacuation routes and emergency exits. Make sure they are clearly marked and well lit. Post signs and maps on routes.

Check or install emergency lighting in case a power outage occurs during an evacuation.

Check all evacuation routes and emergency exits are and make sure they are wide enough to accommodate the number of people evacuating and the routes are always clear.

Designate a person to account for all employees, visitors, and customers.

Establish specific evacuation procedures and meeting place once an evacuation has taken place.

Hold emergency drills at least once a year to ensure that employees know what to do in an emergency and to test the effectiveness of emergency exit routes and procedures. Keep records of such drills.

Consider the transportation needs of employees.

Post evacuation procedures where employees can read them.

Establish procedures for assisting people with disabilities and people who do not speak English.

Consider how you would contact employees in an emergency. This contact sheet should include contact numbers, a family member's contact numbers, and medical care information.

By following these guidelines, an emergency response evacuation plan can be installed in your workplace. Once your plan has been written and posted, test it. Training will ensure all people will evacuate safely.