Preparing for workplace emergencies makes good sense, say experts, who advise a proactive approach that gets managers and employees involved and keeps them informed.
Ready Business (www.ready.gov/business) helps organizations develop preparedness programs that address all types of possible hazards—from fires, floods, tornados, and hurricanes to pandemics, violence and terrorism.
The site and the accompanying tools use an "all hazards" emergency response approach based on five key steps:
- Program management
- Planning
- Implementation
- Testing, training exercises, and simulations
- Program involvement on the part of the entire workforce
Darryl Madden, director of FEMA's Ready campaign, which includes Ready Business, explains the thinking behind the site and the campaign: "The purpose is to bring awareness to individuals, communities, and businesses of the need to be prepared. We want to create a resilient society."
Unfortunately, for many businesses, response to emergencies comes after the fact rather than before. While it's never to late to prepare for an emergency, the head-in-the-sand approach is a poor choice that can lead to loss of employee lives and a severe impact on business as usual.
According to the American Red Cross, nearly 60 percent of Americans are unprepared for a disaster of any kind, and 40 percent of businesses never reopen after a disaster.
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