Evacuation Planning

Interested in building a workplace preparedness plan but don’t know where to start? Keep in mind that the top priority in any emergency situation is the health and safety of your employees– and the first step toward achieving that objective is to design an organized, reliable evacuation plan.

In many emergency scenarios, it will be necessary to evacuate the facility and regroup at a predetermined location a safe distance from the facility. Some scenarios may not allow employees to return to the facility for many days if it is deemed unsafe. In the event of a wide-spread disaster, like a hurricane or tornado, the disaster may involve the entire community and reduce the availability of resources you depend on. Keep this in mind as you evaluate and prepare your plan.

The first step in planning for an evacuation is to determine what hazards your staff and facilities may face. This can be determined by contacting your county emergency management agency or fire department. Begin drafting an evacuation plan by establishing a set of policies and procedures for an emergency situation. Determine the conditions that would require the evacuation plan to be put into effect (fire, hurricane, building malfunction). Next, establish a clear chain of command, and delegate specific responsibilities to employees who volunteer to hold a leadership role. This team of employees will assist other staff members, shut down critical operations and account for personnel. Make sure all staff members are aware of which employees will assume these responsibilities during an evacuation.

Next, determine a primary escape route, secondary escape route and meeting place. Make sure that each escape route is clearly marked, well lit, and accessible for all employees. Select a location where staff members will assemble after evacuating the facility, as well as a means of transportation if the location is not within walking distance. Establish a system to account for every employee.

Post these policies and escape routes in a public space that is visible to all employees (and customers, if applicable). Make sure that these procedures are routinely updated and practices, and that escape routes are routinely inspected. Additionally, consider training your employees in workplace safety to further prepare them to respond calmly, efficiently and responsibly in the event of an emergency. Utilize the services of the Red Cross and their courses designed specifically to meet the needs of the workplace environment, as well as an efficient National Account Network to assist businesses with offices nationwide. By following these steps and implementing a disaster preparedness plan in your workplace, you will provide your employees with the safe, productive working environment that they deserve.