Bruce Mandelblit
Tuesday, May 13, 2003

Countless articles and discussions have been generated about the imperative topic of how homeland security relates to individuals and families. But what about emergency preparations for your business?

For most adult Americans, at least 40 hours per week are spent at their place of business. So it is logical, therefore, to consider what you should do – and not do – in case an emergency occurs during your workday.

Here are some of the ideas suggested by the booklet “United for a Stronger America: Citizens’ Preparedness Guide”:

1. Learn about your company’s emergency plans. Ensure that a plan is developed if one is not in place.

2. Practice your company’s emergency plan, including evacuation plans.

   A Quick Security Tip: Evacuation plans need to be legible and posted prominently on each floor.

3. Know the exit routes and evacuation plans in your building. Know at least two exit routes from each room, if possible.

   A Quick Security Tip: Be able to escape in the dark by knowing how many desks or cubicles are between your workstation and two of the nearest exits.

4. Have a designated post-evacuation meeting location where appropriate personnel can take a head count and identify missing workers. Every employee should be aware of this location.

5. Make special emergency plans for co-workers who are disabled or may require assistance during an emergency.

6. Know the location of fire extinguishers and medical kits. Periodically check extinguishers and alarm systems.

7. Make a list of important phone numbers. Keep a printed list at your desk and near other telephones. Do not reply on electronic lists, direct-dial phone numbers or computer organizers that may not work in an emergency.

8. Gather personal emergency supplies in a desk drawer including a flashlight, walking shoes, a water bottle and nonperishable food.

9. Report damaged or malfunctioning safety systems to appropriate personnel for repair and maintenance.

10. Never lock fire exits or block doorways.

    A Quick Security Tip: However, keep fire doors closed to slow the spread of smoke and fire.

11. In the event of an emergency in a building with many floors:

    1. Leave the area quickly, following your work site’s evacuation plan. In the event of a fire, crawl under the smoke to breathe clearer air. Test doors for heat before opening them. Never use an elevator when evacuating a burning building. Always go directly to the nearest fire-free and smoke-free stairwell.

    2. If you are trapped in the building, stay calm and take steps to protect yourself. If possible, go to a room with an outside window and telephone for help.

    3. Provide any assistance you can to children, the elderly, the injured, co-workers with disabilities and other who require assistance.

    4. Stay where rescuers can see you and wave a light-colored cloth to attract attention.

    5. Open windows, if possible, but be ready to shut them if smoke rushes in. Stuff clothing, towels or newspapers around the cracks in doors to prevent smoke from entering your refuge.

12. Put together an office phone tree. In the event of any emergency, your office may need to get information to employees quickly. Develop a list of everyone’s home phone numbers with instructions for who will call whom. Make sure everyone keeps a printed copy at home.

My Final Thoughts: We are all in this together. Make plans to help each other. For example, determine how you will help each other if public transportation is shut down or roads are impassable. Consider offering to temporarily house, transport or feed your co-workers in case of emergency.

Now more than ever, emergency preparedness must be thought about in all aspects of our daily life. At work, home or play, it’s always a good idea to be ready for the unexpected.

(Note: I am always looking for the newest and most fascinating security, safety and crime prevention related products to feature in future Staying Safe columns. If you distribute such items, please email me with details.) Copyright 2003 by Bruce Mandelblit

“Staying Safe” with Bruce Mandelblit is a regular column for the readers of NewsMax.com and NewsMax.com Magazine.

Bruce welcomes your thoughts. His e-mail address is CrimePrevention123@yahoo.com.

Bruce is a nationally known security journalist, as well as a recently retired, highly decorated reserve Law Enforcement Officer.

Bruce writes Staying Safe, a nationally syndicated weekly column covering the topics of security, safety and crime prevention.

Bruce was commissioned as a Kentucky Colonel – the state's highest honor – by Gov. Paul E. Patton for his public service.

This column is provided for general information purposes only. Please check with your local law enforcement agency and legal professional for information specific to you and your jurisdiction.

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