Planning Key to Fire Preparedness

8/27/2022 (Permalink)

Having a contingency plan will better ensure a safe evacuation

A lot goes into ensuring your New Hyde Park, NY, is successful and thriving. Along with all the operational sides, the building itself also needs to be considered. If a fire breaks out, having a contingency plan will better ensure a safe evacuation and a process in place to address the fire damage and restoration of the structure and its contents.

Plan Ahead

A fire is an unexpected event, so it can be overwhelming when it occurs. Minimize the potential for panic amid the chaos by creating an evacuation plan. Although every business is different, the following are key components that should be included:

• Create a map of the building, including emergency exits, fire extinguisher locations and escape routes.
• Establish a clear chain of command for an emergency, including assigning detailed tasks to different individuals.
• Acknowledge any special consideration for employees or visitors with disabilities or other conditions.
• Determine a safe meeting place outside the building to convene and conduct a headcount.
• Develop a communication plan to notify customers of the disaster.
• While people come first, data safeguards should be in place to maintain access to critical data.
• All aspects of the plan need to be documented and distributed to ensure everyone knows what to do in case of an emergency.
  
  

Conduct Training and Drills
Even if you have already established a contingency plan, it only works if it has been properly communicated. Knowledge is power, so ensure the people in your organization know the proper procedures. Like in school, it is essential to conduct fire drills to ensure that understanding and provide everyone a sense of calm that they will know how to handle a difficult situation. It is also important to factor in first aid training. If someone is injured, is there someone on-site that can assist? Consider conducting training throughout the year.
While a fire may be unavoidable, be prepared by having a contingency plan can help ensure the safety of everyone.