Emergency preparedness should be a priority
When was the last time you held an emergency drill on your job sites? From earthquakes (still waiting on that 9 pt) to flash floods, the west coast has historically seen its share of natural disasters. With all the flooding and hurricanes on the nation’s mind, it’s a good time to revisit your company’s plans for when something does go down.
For any disaster, you want to plan to be on your own, without assistance to any of you or your employees for 2 weeks. You’re also going to want to have CPR/First Aid area stocked and people trained to help those injured. Talk to your employees and ensure they have personal emergency kits as well – things like extra medication, comfort/entertainment items, sturdy shoes, personal hygiene and warm clothes.
What in the world else would you want in a kit?
- Lots of it. At least 1 gallon per person, per day
- Food – non-perishable
- Don’t forget a can opener!
- First Aid supplies
- NOAA Alert Radio
- Flashlights
- Extra batteries and full emergency chargers
- Fire extinguisher
On top of all the fun kit gathering, have you considered how you will get back to business after a disaster? How are your files stored and kept safe? Can you operate without phones or power?
Further resources:
- The Great Washington ShakeOut – Drills, info, etc. to prepare
- Red Cross Personal Workplace kit list
- Personal Kit Pamphlet from WA Military Dept
- OSHA Guide – “How to Plan for Workplace Emergencies and Evacuations”
- WA State Emergency Preparedness site
- (425) 822-8500 – we provide emergency preparedness training too!
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