Pre-COVID 19 all Emergency Evacuation Plans would (or maybe still do…) guide us to, at the sound of the alarm, follow the path that would lead us to our Gathering/Assembly/Muster Point. At the designated point, we would wait, we would be accounted for, and we would be given the “All Clear.” At point which, it would be safe for us to go back into the building.
But have we though about the fact that now, in times of Pandemic, a Gathering/Assembly/Muster Point quickly becomes a risk if not properly setup? As evacuees move quickly to their respective assembly points, they will congregate perhaps a bit nervous, as they await to be called during roll call. Roll call ideally takes 2-5 minutes dependent upon the size of the crowds gathering, the time the evacuation itself takes place, and if there is a missing person. During all this time, evacuees would have most likely awaited too close to each other, with no personal protective equipment (like face masks) and without an opportunity to wash hands. Social distancing, hand washing and wearing face masks are all key and utmost important recommendations by the Center of Disease Control (CDC) to prevent COVID-19. So what now? How do we manage avoiding large crowds?
By re-imagining emergency evacuations! Gather your Crisis Management or Emergency Response Teams and evaluate the current state of your emergency plans. These plans need to now consider: how face masks are made available, how employees are properly segregated to meet social distancing recommendations and how hand washing/ hand sanitizing stations are provided. Once these three key elements have been incorporated into your Emergency Plans, communicate, communicate communicate! Communication and effective training will allow for all employees to follow the plan accordingly and stay safe. Practice does make perfect, therefore planning mock evacuations will come in handy as well. COVID-19 has for sure come to turn our world around, but together we will ensure we are prepared and we continue to keep our employees safe.
For more ways to work towards emergency planning and preparation, click this link and let us know how we can help! Stay Safe! #inthistogether #covid19 #safetyfirst #emergencyplanning #letspartner