How to Implement an Effective Preparedness Program

Ready.gov says that implementation of a workplace preparedness program includes:

• Assessing risks
• Identifying and assessing resources
• Writing plans
• Developing a system to manage incidents
• Training employees so they can execute plans.

In particular, Ready.gov recommends taking action on the following issues:

• Resource management. Resources needed for responding to emergencies, continuing business operations and communicating during and after an incident should be identified and assessed.
• Emergency response plan. Plans to protect people, property and the environment should be developed. Plans should include evacuation, sheltering in place and lockdown as well as plans for other types of threats identified during the risk assessment.
• Crisis communications plan. A plan should be established to communicate with employees, customers, the news media and stakeholders.

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• Business continuity plan. A business continuity plan that includes recovery strategies to overcome the disruption of business should be developed.
• Information technology plan. A plan to recover computer hardware, connectivity and electronic data to support critical business processes should be developed.
• Employee assistance and support. The business preparedness plan should encourage employees and their families to develop family preparedness plans. Plans should also be developed to support the needs of employees following an incident.
• Incident management. An incident management system is needed to define responsibilities and coordinate activities before, during, and after an incident.
• Training. Employees with a defined role in the preparedness program must be trained to carry out their assigned tasks safely and effectively. All employees should be trained so they can take appropriate protective actions during an emergency.

Be Prepared

To assist you in planning and implementing an effective workplace disaster response and recovery plan, BLR has compiled resources that businesses can use to prepare for large-scale emergencies and recover from disasters.

Even when companies are not in the direct zone of impact, they are often affected in ways that can severely disrupt their operations, including supply disruptions, temporary or partial closings, employee anxiety, communications disruptions, loss of data, and human resource problems related to leave and pay.

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