How To Prepare Your Staff for a Weather Disaster

12/23/2019 (Permalink)

Disaster Supply Kit

Weather-related events are the most common cause of disasters in the United States. Though most people believe it will never happen to them, every geographic region is susceptible to a weather emergency. When a hurricane or severe storm threatens your business, a disaster preparedness plan can be the difference between complete chaos and a rehearsed, collaborative process.

Staff Preparation

Whether it’s an approaching hurricane or a sudden event, such as a flash flood or tornado, emergency preparedness can reduce the incidence of injury and property damage. These precautions can prepare your staff to act quickly and with teamwork.

Communication Plan – It’s important to establish a leadership team that will serve as point communicators and disseminates information to your people under emergency conditions.
Disaster Supply Kit – Whether a box or entire closet, this kit should include food and water for 72 hours as well as emergency supplies, such as device chargers, flashlights, blankets, and first aid.
Evacuation Plan – Each business has very different disaster preparedness needs, depending on the size and function of the organization. Your local fire department or disaster remediation service can provide training for your employees on safe evacuation procedures.

It is generally helpful to distribute a copy of your emergency plan to your staff and any new hires. Keep in mind you may need to update your business preparedness plan if your company changes in size or function.

Practice

Once you establish your plan, it’s important to institute regular drills to practice the communication system and evacuation process. You can use the test button on your smoke alarm to begin surprise disaster preparedness drills. This is a practical way to discover your plan’s effectiveness.

Risk Assessment

Assessing your location’s risk can help you design an effective disaster plan. Consulting with your insurance agent, local city planning department and weather agencies can help you understand how severe weather might impact your business.
Preparing your staff for a weather emergency is a sensible modern business practice. If you don’t need it, nothing is lost. If you do have an emergency, you and your people will be prepared to act calmly and quickly.