As the owner, manager, or representative of your organization, you have taken some steps to prepare for an emergency. You have joined the Red Cross Ready Rating® program and may have even created an Emergency Action Plan. However, is the rest of your organization ready? Training personnel for the unexpected can be critical to ensuring your organization is truly prepared.
Use this checklist to prepare, develop, and evaluate a drill. Adapt and customize it to meet the needs of your organization. Refer to the Quick Drills Hub for easy-to-follow, scenario-specific tabletop drills.
Quick Drills include: Floods, Earthquake, Hurricane, Tornado, Wildfire and Winter Storm. Drill checklists are included for Evacuation and Sheltering-In-Place. These drills can be completed separately or combined based on the specific needs of your organization.
Use the Worksheet to determine what hazards and emergencies for which your organization should be planning.
It is highly recommended that all organizations have a predetermined command structure that takes charge in the event of an emergency. Some organizations have chosen to adopt the Incident Command System (ICS), sometimes referred to as Incident Mangement System (IMS), which is common to emergency response agencies, police and fire departments throughout North America. Having your Emergency Response Team (ERT) follow this type of structure will help streamline internal communications, coordinate actions with public safety officials, and promote good relations with the media.
You can never predict with certainty when a disaster may strike. However, with a little preparation, you can confidently face any emergency. To begin, first decide which hazards pose a serious threat to your operation and community.
Safety Wardens are volunteers who agree to assist in directing everyone to the proper exit. If other personnel or a guest is unable to leave an area, a Safety Warden provides support and assistance. If additional assistance is needed, the situation should be reported to the Emergency Response Team and first responders.
Getting to know your local first responders before an emergency happens is good business. Use the following checklist to help plan your interaction with them.
Regulations covering the rights of people with disabilities or access and functional needs continue to evolve. Please check local, provincial, and federal ordinances to ensure that your organization complies with rules regarding building entrances and exits, evacuation planning, signage, and safety equipment.
In an emergency, being able to deliver a message quickly and clearly to your staff and visitors can prevent injuries and save lives. Use the following checklist to evaluate and improve your onsite notification system.
