5 tips to help you plan for disaster management
These simple tips can help you to mitigate risk and maximise safety so you can keep your organisation and its people safe from disaster.
From fires, to floods, hazardous chemical spills and everything in between, disasters of all kinds can be devastating. Proper planning and preparation will mean the difference between harm and safety, and might even save lives.
By creating an ironclad fire safety plan, investing in solid evacuation diagrams and training your team in what to do in the event of an emergency, you’ll be better prepared for the unexpected. Remember, it’s always better to be proactive rather than reactive when it comes to disaster management!
Create a solid Emergency Plan
The first step in preparing for a disaster is to create a comprehensive Emergency Response Plan. This plan should outline the actions you will take in the event of an emergency, including evacuation procedures, designated meeting points, and communication protocols. You should also identify the individuals responsible for leading the response efforts, and make sure that your entire team is aware of the plan and knows exactly what their role is. Don’t just sit by and wait for an emergency. Planning for a fire disaster today will ensure you’re prepared for whatever the future may bring.
Set up effective Evacuation Diagrams
Evacuation Diagrams are what separates a good evacuation management from a bad one. They show vital information that can be used to evacuate faster in case of emergency, making them a critical tool to help you minimise damage, harm to people and loss of life. Your diagrams should be placed in areas of your building with high foot traffic and along general routes where they are easily visible.
Train your staff in fire safety
Acting fast and with purpose is absolutely critical in an emergency, which is why it’s so important to train your team in fire safety. Ongoing fire training will educate your team in how to prevent emergencies such as fires, what to do in the event of a disaster, and how to evacuate safely. This may include regular Emergency Training sessions, fire drills, and community outreach efforts to raise awareness about fire safety and the importance of being prepared for a fire disaster.
Conduct regular evacuation drills
Once you have an emergency plan in place, it is important to regularly practise and refine it through ongoing evacuation drills. Practice makes perfect after all, which is why drills are so helpful in ensuring that everyone is prepared to respond in the event of a fire, and they can also identify any areas where your plan may need improvement.
Commit to a disaster-proof workplace
Disaster management should never be viewed as a “set and forget” solution. This is why it’s also crucial to ensure that you make a commitment to constantly re-visiting and re-evaluating your emergency plan. You must continue to make changes to your emergency plan, diagrams and training regimen as the situation in your workplace or facility naturally evolves with time.
In addition, it’s important not to ever get complacent with hazardous or flammable materials. These items pose a serious threat in the event of a fire, so it is important to store them safely and securely. You should be sure to regularly inspect your storage areas for any potential hazards, and take necessary steps to eliminate them as needed.
What are your responsibilities as a business owner?
It’s a legal requirement to have an emergency evacuation plan if you are the owner, manager or operator of a facility that has either occupants or visitors. This is a requirement in accordance with the Work Health & Safety Regulation 2017 & failure to adhere can lead to serious fines.
Further resources
- How important is a fire action plan?
- Why does emergency planning save lives?
- Why give your staff hands-on fire training?
Need some help planning your emergency response? The friendly team at Fire Block Plans is here to help! Our experts are highly qualified, and work to find a tailored emergency evacuation plan to meet your unique needs. Contact us today to learn more!
Need help upgrading your fire escape plan? Fire Block Plans is here to help you and your team. Our highly-qualified experts will help find a suitable emergency evacuation plan, no matter how unique your requirements may be. Contact us today for more information.