Basic Emergency Response Plan
This Basic Emergency Response Plan template is useful for small businesses that want an emergency response plan, when it is only required to have a verbal plan. Having a written plan over a verbal plan provides additional safeguards, so all employees know the same responses to emergencies, and it can be referenced during an actual emergency.
During an emergency in the workplace, it can seem chaotic. People forget what they have been taught, people forget numbers; which can potentially make the situation worse.
If planning on using this form as an addition to your workplace’s verbal plan, ensure it is communicated to employee’s, ensure it is posted prominently in the workplace, ensure it is easily accessible in an emergency.
Why have a workplace emergency response plan?
Besides the major benefit of providing guidance during an emergency, developing the plan has other advantages. You may discover unrecognized hazardous conditions that would aggravate an emergency situation and you can work to eliminate them. The planning process may bring to light deficiencies, such as the lack of resources (equipment, trained personnel, supplies), or items that can be rectified before an emergency occurs. In addition an emergency plan promotes safety awareness and shows the organization’s commitment to the safety of workers.
The lack of an emergency plan could lead to severe losses such as multiple casualties and possible financial collapse of the organization.
An attitude of “it can’t happen here” may be present. People may not be willing to take the time and effort to examine the problem. However, emergency planning is an important part of company operation.
Since emergencies will occur, preplanning is necessary. An urgent need for rapid decisions, shortage of time, and lack of resources and trained personnel can lead to chaos during an emergency. Time and circumstances in an emergency mean that normal channels of authority and communication cannot be relied upon to function routinely. The stress of the situation can lead to poor judgment resulting in severe losses.
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What is the objective of a quality emergency response plan?
An emergency plan specifies procedures for handling sudden or unexpected situations. The objective is to be prepared to:
- Prevent fatalities and injuries.
- Reduce damage to buildings, stock, and equipment.
- Protect the environment and the community.
- Accelerate the resumption of normal operations.
Check Out: Emergency Response Plan Best Practices
View and Download the Basic Emergency Response Plan template below:
