Recent disasters have proven one thing: having a well-planned emergency procedure that is ready to go when needed is crucial in today’s world. Our overview below covers the four most important reasons for having an emergency management plan in any business—large or small.
Data/Inventory Backup
Files, records, insurance policies and inventories are the backbone of almost any business no matter its nature or orientation. Without them no business can function for long. Payroll and accounting records not only need storage in secured off-site facilities, but also need daily updating. In today’s digital age, “cloud” storage and backup facilities help make this chore much simpler than in earlier years.
Likewise, large inventories need storage in other places to safeguard against possible loss and interruption of services during an emergency.
Life Sustaining Necessities/Supplies
During the September 11th, 2001 tragedy, a city such as New York was barely able to mount an effective response to the disaster. First responders were almost totally wiped out as were units of the Red Cross, NYPD and NYFD. The famed NY Port Authority lay somewhere buried underneath the rubble of the Twin Towers. Many of the major business corporations of this nation and most of their employees were decimated within the first few moments of the attack.
Meanwhile in Times Square, Christian ministries gave out blankets, pillows, water bottles, mattresses, coffee and sandwiches.
Any business should at least have on hand basic survival supplies and equipment such as radios, cell phones, batteries, flashlights, candy bars, fire extinguishers, first aid kits and bottles of water.
Employee Preparedness
A recent study indicated that 81 percent of businesses with emergency management plans are “not only able to handle identified risks, but they are also more resilient when recovering from unplanned events.” Interestingly enough, only 19 percent of the businesses interviewed had any emergency plan at all.
Having employees backup contact information with relatives, friends and other co-workers will do much in a disaster. Likewise, having phone numbers of nearby hospitals, clinics, and ambulance services is another positive step towards survival.
Designating and training a team of employees on evacuation routes, use of fire extinguishers, communication devices and then scheduling regular practice drills is a must in today’s workplace, especially in higher-risk coastal locations.
The Next Level
After saving lives, the primary function of a business is to survive and continue on. Establishing procedures with suppliers, vendors and other businesses intertwined with critical daily operations is vitally important. Likewise, making contingency plans as to where the business operations can be shifted in an emergency is crucially important as well.
For this expertise, taking an accredited course either on campus or online working towards a Bachelor of Science or Master of Science degree in occupational safety and health will give you the skills, tools and knowledge needed as a leader in today’s business climate.
Following the above four simple steps will go a long way in not only saving lives but saving a business as well during a crisis. Moreover, many will look to your business for endurance and resiliency even during the most difficult of times.
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