Our policy and procedures manual included a section on emergency preparations. We had toxic chemicals, we made products that international terrorists love to steal, and we lived in tornado alley. Something was bound to happen. Fire, storm, sickness, spill, armed intruder, we covered them all in advance, on paper, in meetings, in drills. A tornado warning was the only time we actually used our plans – whew! – but it was good to have them.
How is your business prepared for tragedy?
The US Department Of Homeland Security offers guidance to help you make intelligent decisions to protect your people and assets. Whether it’s a place to start or a standard to measure your readiness, here are seven suggestions:
Be Informed – Know what kinds of emergencies might affect your company.
Continuity Planning – Carefully assess how your company functions, internally and externally.
Emergency Supplies – Think first about the basics of survival: fresh water, food, clean air and warmth.
Deciding To Stay Or Go – Shelter-in-place or evacuate, plan for both possibilities.
Emergency Planning – Your employees and co-workers are your business's most important and valuable asset.
Fire Safety – Fire is the most common of all business disasters.
Medical Emergencies – Take steps that give you the upper hand in responding to medical emergencies.
