In uncertain times as these, it becomes easy to feel overwhelmed and consumed even with fear. The only way to overcome these feelings is to arm oneself with the proper tools—the tools of preparation. Just as individuals should prepare themselves for disasters and emergencies, companies must do the same. Below are some suggestions for companies to consider.
The first important step is to form a plan of action. Companies should have a book of emergency procedures to follow. This can encompass processes and steps to follow in the event of various injuries, how to use equipment such as a heart defibulator, what to do in the event of an earthquake, flood, fire, tornado, hurricane, etc. The important thing is that these steps be spelled out. Typically, when emergencies occur, people feel a bit stressed and agitated. As a result, they do not always think straight. By having a book with said procedures, companies can ensure that things are done properly.
Employees and employers should be trained initially and on a regular basis. Many companies opt to include one emergency topic of discussion at each monthly or bimonthly meeting. This helps to keep emergency preparedness on the minds of employees and it continuously impresses the importance of such knowledge.
Furthermore, companies often hold practice drills. They simulate fires, security breaches, computer shutdowns, etc. in order to offer more realistic scenarios. This gives individuals the chance to work together as a team to find resolutions, adapt to the feel of emergencies, and practice emergency preparedness skills.
Aside from physical preparedness, businesses need to have their finances in order. This can be achieved by building up a savings, defining a budget, and following said budget continuously. Regular review of finances informs companies of where they stand and what further needs to happen in order to accomplish self-reliance.
Yet another idea is keeping emergency supplies on hand. In the event of employees being trapped in a building for multiple days, companies can require employees or provide emergency kits. For example, companies can keep enough first aide kits to service however many employees work in a specific building. Also, 72-hour kits can be readily available. These kits hold enough food for three days, mess kits, blankets, and sanitation items. Further, companies can keep an emergency supply of water on hand, along with flashlights, batteries, candles, matches, mess-kit supplies, toiletries, and some type of cooking device (such as a portable cooking stove). Again, these items may seem silly or unnecessary; however, in the event that an emergency strikes, businesses will be prepared and be able to facilitate help to their employees. Because these items are small, they should be able to be stored in a desk drawer or on a closet shelf. Such kits can be freely assembled or purchased as a whole from emergency preparedness companies. The important thing is to have some type of supply, which is recycled through every 6 months in order to be sure items stay fresh and do not expire. Also, companies need to make sure to supply foods, which are non-perishable and could be used in the event of a power outage (meaning no refrigeration available).
The overall message of this article is to inform companies of how important it is to prepare, but also how to go about this process. If each of these steps happens, line upon line, step upon step, a company can be ready for an emergency in a matter of a few months. Through time, as more and more trainings occur, individuals and companies will be further ready. Those who are prepared shall not fear.
References
1)http://www.ready.gov/
2)http://www.fema.gov/areyouready/
3)http://lds.about.com/od/preparednessfoodstorage/a/72hour_kit.htm
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