The actions taken in the initial minutes of an emergency are critical. A prompt warning to employees to evacuate, shelter, or lockdown can save lives. A call for help to public emergency services that provides full and accurate information will help the dispatcher send the right responders and equipment. An employee trained to administer first aid or perform CPR can be lifesaving. Action by employees with knowledge of building and process systems can help control a leak and minimize damage to the facility and the environment.

 It can't be stressed enough; now, more than ever, life requires a mindset that makes preparation an everyday task.

Many don't know where to start and may feel overwhelmed with the tasks of preparing their building, their company, their staff, and their tenants for effective action in the face of an emergency situation.

Getting Started

The planning process can be easier than you might think.Start by simply visiting a few of the following links: 

• ready.gov/september
• illinois.gov/ready
• ready.gov/illinois
• ready.gov
• ready.gov/workplace-plans
• boma.org/research/securityandemergencypreparedness

Local Contacts

Be sure to contact your local Police and Fire Departments to start the conversation regarding your specific property.       

Buildings are unique; does your property have a unique layout or consideration that is worth sharing with your local First Responders? 

Updated floor plans and contact information are good places to start the conversation with your local Police and Fire Departments.

Your local Police and Fire Departments are staffed with men and women that are willing to share their expertise and assist you in applying their local emergency response knowledge to your property. Take a moment to take advantage of such great resources. 

Put Resources to Use: The Risk Assessment

The first step when developing an emergency response plan is to conduct a risk assessment to identify potential emergency scenarios. An understanding of what can happen will enable you to determine resource requirements and to develop plans and procedures to prepare your business.

At the very least, every facility should develop and implement an emergency plan for protecting employees, visitors, contractors, and anyone else in the facility.

This part of the emergency plan is called "protective actions for life safety" and includes building evacuation ("fire drills"), sheltering from severe weather such as tornadoes, "shelter-in-place" from an exterior airborne hazard such as a chemical release and lockdown. Lockdown is protective action when faced with an act of violence.

When an emergency occurs, the first priority is always life safety. The second priority is the stabilization of the incident.

Fillable Forms to Get Started

The following links are just a few forms that can be useful to help you get started. Take a moment and see if they might help you start the discussion at your building.  

• Emergency Response Plan 
• Business Risk Assessment Table 
• Business Impact Analysis Worksheet

Conclusion 

It is critical that everyone is prepared for an emergency. Remember, sometimes emergencies are so immense that responders cannot immediately assist you or your family. It is your responsibility to prepare yourself.

Michael Guzan can be reached at (630) 590-8316 or mdguzan@midcosystems.com.

Additional information and resources are also available on the BOMA International website.