An emergency preparedness plan is crucial in helping to make sure your workers and employees are ready for any type of emergency. According to Ready.gov, the plan should include different types of emergencies and threats. Strategies for hazard prevention, steps to take in the even of emergencies that can cause injury and processes that may impact business operations should be documented.

Also In This Series: Phase 1: Mitigation Checklist | Phase 3: Response Checklist | Phase 4: Recovery Checklist

Review the checklists below to evaluate your emergency preparedness management plan and ensure your team is ready for an emergency—big or small—before it happens. 

Emergency Planning Checklist

• Do you have an emergency preparedness management plan in place?
• Is there a team leader for your emergency preparedness and response program?
• Is your plan regularly reviewed and updated, especially after an emergency or training?
• Have you identified the specific risks your facility could face, alongside the likelihood and impact of each risk?
• Does your plan suggest the actions to take for a specific emergency in order to help you prepare for each risk?
• Have you contacted your local fire and police departments to determine their capabilities so any gaps that exist between your needs and what they can provide can be filled and documented?

Employee Readiness Checklist

• Are all employees familiar with the emergency response plan?
• Are specific team members named in the plan, and do they know their roles and responsibilities? For example, can your trained first aid team reach employees quickly if needed after an emergency?
• Have your employees tested the preparedness plan to make sure it goes as smoothly as possible when needed?
• Is the plan reviewed after each drill to reflect gaps or necessary changes?

Please note this list is not comprehensive of all of the steps you may need to take to prepare for emergencies, but each question can and should be answered as part of your plan.

Check out these resources for other ways to stay prepared in the event of an emergency.