Working in credit uniondisasterpreparedness allows us to see/learn from many situations. I’m sitting here tonight thinking about how to improve my clients emergency response procedures – specifically those dealing with evacuation.If leadership told you to evacuate, are you prepared? Do you know what to take? Where will you go? How will you get there? Who do you need to notify?
We’ve been taught preparedness from a young age. Whether you were a Scout, have a child that’s a scout or know someone who is, we all know that scouts teachespreparedness. The Boy Scout Motto is: “BE PREPARED which means you are always in a state of readiness in mind and body to do your DUTY.” Girl Guides notes “being prepared at any moment to face difficulties and even dangers by knowing what to do and how to do it”.
Last year my son’s Boy Scout troop was evacuated from camp due to wildfires. 41 boys and six leaders were prepared and found bravery – everyone was returned safely home with only the loss of some equipment.Equipment is replaceable. As the troop prepared for camp again this year – during wildfire season, we reflected on last year and prepared more. Call trees were updated and practiced, emergency drivers and alternates were secured and the campers set off to camp with confidence. As a parent, it puts a smile on my face to see my son excited to have a fun learning experience and be confident in preparedness.
Not only do we deal with these issues at work but also with our families. The more prepared we are with our families, the more prepared we can be for our place of work. Do you have a plan for your family?FEMAhas some great information for educating and helping get families and businesses more prepared. Check out theFEMA siteand get started on your evacuation plan today. Have fun planning! Get your kids, parents, neighbors and anyone you care about involved.
We need to have this same confidence in preparedness in our workplace. An evacuation procedure should be included in yourBusiness Continuity Plan. Highlights for an evacuation procedure include:
