Businesses overlook the need for an evacuation strategy until a natural calamity strikes. And when the disaster knocks, it comes with damages that threaten to ruin a business’s bottom line.
High-impact calamities such as floods, fire, earth tremors, and tornadoes require emergency plans. Yet most offices forget the basic preparation steps like training their staff on what to do when these tragedies occur.
But experienced entrepreneurs know that anticipating and getting ready for the worst-case scenario is an investment worth the life of the business. And what can you compare to your company’s wellbeing?
Here’s how to plan an evacuation strategy for your office.
Know the risks
You must learn the risks your workplace face before you embark on preparing an emergency plan. Find out if your area frequently experiences natural disasters like tornadoes, tremors, floods, or any other, and learn the seasons when these are common.
Because these plans need collaboration and flexibility alongside a well-thought-out strategy, involve your team members in creating this evacuation blueprint. Take their suggestions seriously and conduct further research before implementing anything.
Start with the fundamentals.
Begin with the basics. If you’re already sure of possible strikes, start by decided where everyone gathers in the event of a fire or earthquake.
Depending on how large the office building is; choose the routes to take during emergencies and inform all staff about these.
Here are other essential things to do;
- Secure a meeting place where your team can gather after the exit
- Display the evacuation plan; include the blueprint of the office displaying the emergency center and locations of safety equipment.
- Check safety equipment from time to time
- Conduct evacuation exercises now and then
- Prepare kit for your off-site needs
Designate Roles
Evacuation requires collaboration so you must assign different roles to all staff. There’s a lot of work to be done during an emergency exit.
Every member of your team should be assigned specific duties. Designating roles will eliminate friction in your evacuation strategy because everyone knows what o do.
Accumulate Resources
Gather the equipment you will need depending on the disaster you’re getting ready for. Take time to create a list of the things you need with the help of your disaster control manager.
Preparing equipment early ensures everything runs smoothly during the response. It also speeds up the response process because everyone knows where everything is.
This equipment should be stored in easy-to-access rooms. They should also be maintained and updated from time to time.
You could also purchase extra office furniture in Los Angeles to furnish your emergency safe house.
Conduct Drills
Coaching your staff is an integral part of the exit plan. Training reduces the fear of the unknown and promotes confidence in the crew. Without training, the whole evacuation process runs into a mess.
Final Words
Operating without an evacuation strategy is risking your years of hard work. Prepare for the unexpected as you hope for the best.
Author Bio: Melissa Rayner is the proud owner of Trader Boys, who sell quality office furniture in Los Angeles. When she isn’t running her family business, she’s busy spending time with her children and 3 beautiful grand children.