{"id":6558,"date":"2023-01-11T11:39:50","date_gmt":"2023-01-11T16:39:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.compliancesigns.com\/blog\/?p=6558"},"modified":"2025-08-21T09:53:11","modified_gmt":"2025-08-21T13:53:11","slug":"emergency-action-plan-importance","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.compliancesigns.com\/blog\/emergency-action-plan-importance\/","title":{"rendered":"When Disaster Strikes \u2013 What\u2019s Your Plan? The Importance of Emergency Action Plans"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Emergencies rarely come with adequate warning. A tornado can seemingly come out of nowhere. A fire can take over a building in minutes. Active shooter situations can escalate in mere seconds. And business owners are required to have viable emergency action plans (EAP\u2019s) in place at all times – and provide proper training.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With a proper EAP in place, your employees will know exactly what to do when the unexpected occurs. \u201cHope for the best, but prepare for the worst\u201d is the right way of thinking. EAPs are a crucial part of your business\u2019s overall safety program. It\u2019s better to have them and not need them than need them and not have them, right?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is an Emergency Action Plan?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

An Emergency Action Plan is more than just an evacuation route map or list of emergency contact phone numbers. It is a written document required by OSHA for nearly all businesses with 11 or more employees. Those with fewer than 11 employees should still have an EAP, but it can be communicated orally.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So what goes into an effective EAP? Here are the basic requirements:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
  1. Procedure for reporting fires and other emergencies<\/strong> \u2013 Do you have set procedures for reporting emergencies, such as dialing 911 or an internal emergency number, or pulling a manual fire alarm? Get the basics down. Post emergency contact signs<\/a> so everyone knows the numbers.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Evacuation procedures and emergency escape route assignments<\/strong> \u2013 What conditions would prompt an evacuation? Who has the authority to authorize an evacuation? What are the proper evacuation routes and procedures? Do you have escape route maps or diagrams displayed? What signs should employees look for to identify emergency exits, escape routes and muster points<\/a>?<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Procedures for employees who remain to operate critical plant operations before they evacuate<\/strong> \u2013 What is expected of employees who may be required to operate fire extinguishers or shut down gas and\/or electrical systems and other special equipment that could be damaged if left operating or create additional hazards to emergency responders (such as releasing hazardous materials)?<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. Head count after an evacuation<\/strong> \u2013 What are your procedures to account for employees after the evacuation to ensure that everyone got out? Consider designating employees to sweep areas, checking offices and restrooms before being the last to leave the workplace or conducting a roll call in the assembly area. Many employers designate an \u201cevacuation warden\u201d to assist others in an evacuation and to account for personnel.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  5. Rescue and medical duties for employees<\/strong> \u2013 Most small organizations rely on local public resources such as the local fire department or hospital to provide these services, but you need to know for certain.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  6. Contact List<\/strong> \u2013 Names, titles, departments and telephone numbers of employees who can be contacted for additional information and\/or explanation of their duties under the plan.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    What Emergency Situations Should You Consider?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
    \"Fire<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    What situations are considered emergencies that would require consideration in an EAP? The best bet is to be as comprehensive as is reasonable. Consider your industry and your location. What types of emergency situations could happen at your workplace? Here are a few to consider:<\/p>\n\n\n\n