How to Create a Hazard Vulnerability Assessment
If a disaster happened in your community, how would it [...]
Maintaining Preparedness After Essential Steps are Completed
It’s tempting to envision preparedness as a race towards [...]
Household Preparedness
This video points out that during a crisis, especially a wide-scale crisis such as a severe storm, staff may be worried about family members, friends, pets, or important possessions. Having a household plan can reduce this anxiety, help keep people productive, and increases the safety net to those outside of the facility since they are also doing preparedness planning. #52 Staff members are encouraged to have emergency plans for their households.
Testing Warning Systems
This video contains a quick discussion suggesting how to test this system. For example, send people to all parts of the facility and note when they hear or read something. Include a short mention of social media and texting as alerting mechanisms in this video. #31 We have a tested facility-wide warning system.
Special Needs Populations
This video discusses being sensitive to various special needs populations and mention that the local fire department can help with this issue. The Americans with Disabilities Act may also provide guidance. #17 Arrangements are in place to accommodate the needs of people with disabilities during an emergency.
Staffing the Emergency Response Team
This video explains that staff can play two roles on the ERT. Some make on-site decisions while others are volunteers who play a key role in helping with traffic flow and security during a crisis #14 Management has assigned key positions on the emergency response team to staff members.
Safety is a Priority
This video explains how using the principle that the safety of our staff and clients is our top priority aids in making decisions. Consider the needs of everyone present at a facility (workplace) and be sure that first time visitors are given some orientation to EM procedures. #1 The safety of our staff and clients is our top priority.
Safety Inspections
This video highlights the importance of making safety part of an organization’s work-culture. Conduct regular (at least annual) inspections but also alert and empower employees to being proactive when it comes to safety.
Recommended Program Resources
This video explains what is meant by resources: management time and attention, assigning staff and 'goaling' them on implementing the program, gradually acquire equipment and prioritize the acquisition after reviewing their HVA. Point out this is an ongoing process. #5 Resources are available to support implementation of the Ready Rating Program's recommendations (e.g., staff, equipment, training, etc.)
Volunteer Recruitment
This video explains the general role of a Safety Warden and that they are part of the ERT. Discuss some of their responsibilities and the need for ongoing training. #16 Volunteers (i.e., Safety Wardens) have been recruited to work with the emergency response team during a crisis.