Emergency Evacuation Checklist for Organisations
No matter where you are and what kind of risks you’re exposed to, emergencies are always present.
Emergency evacuation checklist: In Australia, natural disasters, fires, floods and even earthquakes can happen without warning. In the event of an emergency, the goal is to ensure your business can continue operating with minimal harm. By planning for an emergency before it happens, you’ll be ready to act quickly and effectively. To ensure you’re a safe as possible, we’ve put together this emergency evacuation checklist:
Resource key hazards
Ask, what are the main and most likely hazards in your area? Are you aware of any Disaster Management Plans for these hazards? Local councils often have a wealth of information, detailed warning systems, evacuation process guidance and nominated evacuation routes. Find out and record:
- What local support is available
- The contact details of local agencies
- If your organisation requires any special support or assistance to evacuate
- Weather warnings issued by the Bureau of Meteorology
Map out possible scenarios and responses in your evacuation procedure checklist
Discuss possible scenarios and responses to each kind of emergency. Note down:
- What would you do in the event of this emergency?
- Determine the safest evacuation points for the type of emergency. Nominate meeting places in case of an emergency, nearby and further away from the site
- Discuss medical conditions of organisation members. Include essential medications and dosages in your Emergency Kit.
The Australian Government suggests that you complete a detailed scenario plan based on each of your top three ranking critical business areas. Developing scenarios can help you work out what to do when critical areas fail. The government has a number of scenario planning resources available for your reference.
Map out emergency procedures
Outline your emergency evacuation procedures. Attach a copy of your procedures and floor plan with the location of emergency exits, emergency kit and safety equipment clearly marked. Your emergency procedures should also include a map of evacuation locations for all emergencies. Always ensure your evacuation procedures are clearly displayed using evacuation diagrams.
- For more information about emergency procedures, check out our key emergency procedures to maximise workplace safety
- If you’re uncertain about whether you can rely on your emergency plan, review our signs of an effective emergency plan
Pack emergency kits
Ensure emergency kits are packed and ready to go well before the time of emergency. This will save time and reduce your panic should an evacuation event arise. Your kit should include important medical supplies, first aid, and several important documents. The exact contents of these kits will depend on your organisation, its needs, the amount of staff evacuating and other factors.
In addition, you should record where your emergency kit is located or stored. Make sure:
- Your staff know where it is
- That it is clearly visible and labelled
- List the contents of your emergency kit in the table provided and the date each item was last checked/reviewed.
Key Resources for your Emergency Evacuation Checklist
Ready to improve your building’s fire safety practices? 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.