Are You Prepared for an Emergency?

The American Red Cross responds to a disaster every eight minutes. While we can’t eliminate disasters, we can be ready for them. It’s important to know what to do during an emergency so your employees can respond safely and efficiently. Having a workplace Emergency Action Plan (EAP) is key. Your EAP is a written document kept in the workplace and made available for employees to review. It outlines your procedures when an emergency occurs. (Note: for businesses with 10 employees or less, you may communicate your EAP to them orally).

Building or updating your Emergency Action Plan

Start by reviewing your current plan or create a new plan if you don’t already have one. Discuss your EAP with your employees and make any necessary updates. Your plan must include the following:

Reporting. Your preferred method of reporting fires and other emergencies
Evacuation. How to exit the workplace safely and efficiently
Accounting for employees. Where to meet after an evacuation and how to determine if everyone made it out safely
Critical operations. Who stays behind to operate critical operations before evacuating
Rescue and medical. The responsibilities of employees who perform rescue or medical duties
EAP information. The name or job title of every employee whom employees can call for information about the EAP

IMPORTANT

If you have employees with disabilities, make sure your EAP fits their needs. For example, evacuation routes should be accessible and specific people assigned to help those with disabilities, if needed.

Take the time to review the risks specific to your workplace. Knowing this information may help you address problems before an emergency. Consider having an emergency food supply, survival blankets, flashlight, and battery-operated radio among your supplies in case employees cannot leave the workplace for a few days. And, always have a first aid kit and make sure employees know where to find it. Include information on where to find the first aid kit and other emergency supplies in your EAP and by putting up signs directing people to the where you keep those supplies.

Training your employees on your plan and practicing it often is the best way to have them ready when you must activate the plan. Management commitment and worker involvement are essential to an effective EAP. And, remember to review and update your plan whenever the plan or responsibilities change.

In an emergency an immediate and well-practiced response can save lives, your business, and thousands of dollars in potential losses. Create or update your EAP today.

(Rev. 12/2025)

Are You Prepared for an Emergency?

Building or updating your Emergency Action Plan

Additional Resources

IMPORTANT

Ask Our Safety Experts!