The Basics of Emergency Preparedness

Just like an unwanted solicitor, emergencies knock on your door when you least expect them. But unlike for an unwanted solicitor, you can prepare for emergencies.

When you get ready for disasters, whether natural or man-made, be sure to devise effective emergency preparedness plans that even in worst-case scenarios will help you and your employees out of harm’s way. This includes keeping an emergency kit handy and preparing your facility for catastrophes.

Alert your employees of possible danger with an Audible and Visual Emergency Signal.

Install emergency preparedness products such as smoke detectors and fire and carbon monoxide alarms to alert your employees of disasters. Help them evacuate if necessary by putting up glow-in-the-dark exit signs that will show their way out. Make sure you have emergency escape ladders to cater to those working in high-rise buildings.

You should also distribute emergency kits to your employees in case they get trapped.  Ready, a national public service campaign, provides helpful information on how you can build a complete emergency kit. Ready recommends assembling your kit as soon as possible because you may not have enough time to do so if you have to evacuate during an emergency. After an emergency, you may need to survive on your own, so pack sufficient quantities of food, water and other supplies to last at least 72 hours.

Basic services such as electricity, gas and telecommunication services may be cut off for days, weeks or even longer. Make sure your kit has these emergency preparedness products to help you manage during these possible outages.

• Water – A normal active person needs at least one gallon of water per day for drinking and sanitation.  So for a three-day water supply, be sure to include 3 gallons of water per person in your emergency preparedness supplies.
• Food – Pack a three-day supply of non-perishable food such as ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits and vegetables, protein bars, dry cereal, nuts, dried fruit, and crackers. Do not forget to include a can opener and eating utensils.
• Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with extra batteries
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• First aid – Your first aid supplies should include sterile gloves and dressing, cleansing agent, antibiotic and burn ointment, bandages, eye wash solution, thermometer, prescription medications, non-prescription drugs (antacid, aspirin, laxative, etc.), scissors, tweezers, and petroleum jelly or other lubricant.
• A whistle
• Dust masks to filter contaminated air
• Local map
• Cell phone with charger
• Additional emergency products – Be sure to pack along cash, change of clothing, hygiene and sanitation products, and a sleeping bag or blanket, especially if you live in cold-weather climate.

Store your emergency kit where you can easily access it. Don’t forget to regularly check if your food and water are still good and if your devices are working properly. If not, replace them as soon as possible.

Photoluminescent exit signs will lead your employees to safety even when power is out.

After a disaster, rescue teams and relief workers may not reach you immediately. You can’t tell when help will arrive, so you have to manage on your own until such time. With a well-packed and complete emergency kit, you can be assured the basic necessities for your survival are just within reach.

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Editor’s Note:  How do you prepare for an emergency? Share them with the Emedco community!