Operational Evacuation Plan

And don’t think that it’s just large disasters such as earthquakes, floods, or terrorism that require preparation. Fire drills are designed to help ensure the safety of everyone during a fire and are just as important as preparations for the “large” disasters. Some offices, however, wouldn’t think of having a regular and periodic fire drill. But contrary to what some think, it is inexpensive and easy to put some kind of evacuation plan in place.

There are four main points to remember if you are planning for an emergency: 

1. Prepare evacuation plans
   
   
   
   The best evacuation plans aren’t complicated, so make sure yours are straightforward and to the point. It makes no sense to have an evacuation plan that no one understands. Consult with a professional, if needed, to determine which plans would be the best plans of action for your company. Some companies have a security department that can assist with this. Make sure all employees have a copy of the evacuation plan. If there is more than one location for your company, make sure all locations have a copy of the evacuation plan. After you’ve created an evacuation plan, you will need help executing it. 
   
   
2. Assign responsibilities
   
   Carrying out an emergency evacuation plan requires teamwork, flexibility, and a well-constructed plan. Make sure that everyone knows where he or she should be, and when he or she should be there. Identify who will shut down critical operations and/or lock the doors if an evacuation is necessary. Choose employees that are able to make decisions under pressure that emphasize safety first. Make sure there is a person designated from each department that can take a head count to ensure everyone that came into the building is now outside of the building. There should also be a back-up designee for each department as well. 
   
   
3. Gather needed materials
   
   Install emergency lighting or use flashlights if/when the power goes out. There should also be an emergency first aid kit handy and accessible at all times. Encourage all employees to maintain a portable kit that contains things like essential medication and extra eyeglasses/lenses. Locate and make copies of building and site maps. Post maps for employees to refer to, and clearly label all exit points in a building. 
   
   
4. Train staff with drills
   
   Drills and exercises help you prepare for disasters. Educate the staff on a regular basis by continually testing with drills. All rules must be followed. Schedule walk-through drills in which the team of emergency personnel selected and response teams perform their designated emergency functions. Evaluate and revise procedures if the training and exercise aren’t working. Keep training records and include information in all new-hire orientations program.

So that you won’t be caught with your guard down, go ahead and put your evacuation plans into circulation, and make sure everyone has a copy. This is a vital function needed in many facets of operations in a company.