Emergency Planning

This video highlights some of the ways to prepare for these disruptions, the key point being - talk to your vendors and make the discussion a collaboration, not an after-the-fact negotiation/litigation.

This video touches on the importance of having evacuation routes prominently displayed. These can lead to interior shelters or exterior assembly areas. Safety Wardens play a role in this process and help with indicating that an area is clear of people. Ask about EXIT signs and also protection from the elements at the external sites. Last, make sure that the evacuation routes don't block first responders trying to reach the area.

As small business owners, the challenges we face daily would only be com- pounded in the event of an emergency. On the field, in business and in life, being prepared for adversity—whether that comes in the form of an opposing team or a natural disaster—is what separates those who simply survive from those who thrive, and teamwork is the only way to achieve success.

For the workplace, where you might be confined for several hours, or perhaps overnight, the supplies on this checklist are recommended.

This document provides guidelines for dealing with hostage-taking and kidnapping.

Having an accurate and detailed description of your work area can be extremely helpful in a crisis. Use this form to document the area.

This document provides several examples of policies that could be incorporated into an emergency response plan. These examples are designed to assist you developing your own custom policies and are not intended to be the exact procedures your organization should adopt.

This document provides information that can be used to inform your organization's evacuation policies and procedures.

In the event of a crisis, being able to communicate with all stakeholders is critical. Use this form to create is a list of individuals, business partners, vendors, and others who should be notified when a crisis develops.