5 Steps To Prepare Your Workplace From Natural Disasters

5/21/2021 (Permalink)

Wildfires, hurricanes, snowstorms, tornadoes, and hail storms are just some of the natural disasters that hit the United States each year and unfortunately some of this is due to recent climate change. While it is impossible to be 100% prepared there are many steps that can be taken to limit damage and keep personnel safe in your workplace. 

1. Analyze Your Current Resources

Resource management is essential to disaster preparedness. Analyze what resources are available internally and in your community. Do you meet building standards? Have you had your routine maintenance? What vendors and supplies will help get your back on your feet?

2. Estimate the Disaster Risks In Your Area

What kind of risks are most common in your area? Analyze and plan accordingly. Discuss what coverages you have with your insurance company to make sure you are properly prepared.

3. Create A Disaster Preparedness Plan

Assess your risks and follow tips to create a thorough plan for all. This includes updating work safety procedures. Create a communication and disaster plan. Designate a temporary workplace and have an emergency services vendor (such as SERVPRO of Edmonds) ready to help.  

4. Prepare Your Facility

Emergency supplies in the workplace should be stocked and accessible to all. Create a checklist and update as needed. Some items may expire.

• Food supplies
• Shelter supplies
• Emergency lights, fire extinguishers, and emergency radios
• Emergency kits (Including first-aid supplies)
• Search and rescue supplies
• Sanitation supplies

5. Prepare Employees

There are several measures you can take to prepare employees such as conducting a preparedness class and actively testing out a plan. This ensures personnel is all on the same page and feels confident in the correct steps to take.