Prepare Your Office for a Disaster

If you don’t like to think about disasters, you’re not alone. Most people don’t. But not thinking about—or planning for—disasters won’t keep them from happening. Is your office ready?

Regardless of how the Extension office fits in a local emergency response plan, you can take the following preparedness steps. Post emergency contact information. Update employee emergency contact information and calling tree. Back up your records. Designate someone to initiate the calling tree and make sure each employee knows who to call. Create and maintain an office inventory. Take pictures of office equipment and record serial numbers. Back up your records frequently.

There will be times when you have to evacuate the building.  Ensure evacuation routes are clearly posted. Determine best evacuation process for employees with special needs. Designate an assembly site—and someone to whom everyone should report at the site. Designate a backup person in case the primary person is unavailable.  If you do have to evacuate, be sure to take your personal items in case you can’t return to your office.

Determine a shelter-in-place location. Assemble an emergency kit. Check the American Red Cross Website Personal Workplace Disaster Supplies Kit for items to include.  Be sure to include a first aid kit, at least one flashlight, a radio, and batteries. Determine where you can temporarily locate your office and employees in case your office is unavailable for a long time.

It's hard to focus on the needs of your community following a disaster if you think you should be at home with your family. Reduce that tension by preparing a family disaster plan. Involve all members of your family in planning and then practicing what to do in case of...fire, flood, tornado, or whatever natural or man-made event your area is most prone to experience. For more information, visit Ready.Gov learn how to make a family emergency plan.  

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