Disasters like fires, hurricanes, tornadoes, or even earthquakes can happen at any time; therefore, it’s critical that your business is prepared. Companies should have a disaster preparedness plan in place in case of an emergency to keep their company and employees safe. According to Osha, 40% of businesses fail to reopen after a natural disaster. Creating an emergency preparedness plan for workplace will help companies minimize the damage after a disaster and resume business operations quickly.
Here’s why you should consider a disaster preparedness plan for your business.
What is Disaster Preparedness?
A disaster preparedness plan is a set of safety policies to help businesses prepare and respond to natural disasters. These safety protocols should include an established communication plan between employees and first responders, safety drills, and evacuation routes. This plan aims to save lives and reduce the impact of natural disasters on businesses.
Why is a Disaster Preparedness Plan Important?
Save Lives
The main objective of a company’s emergency response plan is to save lives. A detailed emergency evacuation plans for businesses should include escape routes, maps, and a safe outdoor meeting place to help employees exit the building safely. If employees are trapped in the building and require assistance, they can communicate with first responders through an emergency management app. Establishing a disaster preparedness plan reduces the fear and helps employees know what to do during a disaster.
Reduces Property Damage
While you can’t stop natural disasters, you can take steps to minimize the damage. The first step would be to consider what types of disasters occur in your area. Once you have assessed your risks, take disaster management steps to reduce the risk of damage to your building. Invest in impact-rated glass to protect your windows if a hurricane strikes or move your equipment to a secure area. Make sure to conduct routine inspections to ensure your safety systems are up to date. Effective planning and preparation can mitigate the effects of a natural disaster on your buildings and equipment.
Reopen Businesses
A natural disaster can slow down business operations, but an effective disaster preparedness plan can help restart your business. Before disaster strikes, back up all your vital documents onto a cloud server or store them in a fireproof safe. Keeping your company records safe during the storm will allow you to get the company back up and running. Developing a business continuity plan will help businesses determine where employees will work after a storm and how to maintain manufacturing logistics.
