March 6, 2025
Emergencies love catching people off guard, but you don’t have to be one of them. A solid crisis management and emergency action plan isn’t just a safety requirement, it’s the difference between controlled chaos and full-blown disaster. Let’s get into it.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) isn’t just throwing out rules for fun. They require employers to have emergency action plans (EAPs) that lay out exactly what to do when things go south. Fire? Spill? Natural disaster? Your team needs a game plan that includes evacuation routes, communication channels, and role assignments, because “just winging it” isn’t a strategy.
Fires trigger alarms, but what about chemical spills, active threats, or severe weather? A reliable reporting process ensures the right people take action fast. Employers need a clear chain of command, updated hazard communication documents, and a team that knows who to call and what to do when the sirens go off.
Different emergencies demand different responses. If there’s a fire, you need quick exits and designated meeting spots. If hazardous materials are involved, some workers might need to shelter in place. Tornado? Find a safe shelter. Earthquake? Drop, cover, and hold on until it’s safe to move. The best evacuation plans include:
Fires don’t start themselves, poor storage, faulty equipment, and bad habits do. A fire prevention plan should list known hazards, outline how flammable materials are handled, and keep tabs on ignition sources. Equipment that generates heat (stoves, burners, machines) needs regular maintenance, and workers need fire safety training that’s more than just a PowerPoint.
If you work in a tornado-prone area, you need to know where to go. Underground shelters are the best bet, but if that’s not an option, small interior rooms without windows work. Tornado drills aren’t a waste of time, they save lives.
If you’re in a hurricane zone, you need to understand warning systems and evacuation protocols. Integrating guidance from FEMA into your emergency action plan can prepare your team for strong winds, flooding, and mandatory evacuations.
You don’t get a heads-up before an earthquake, so training should be second nature. Employees should practice “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” drills twice a year and know what to do after the shaking stops, especially if there are fires, gas leaks, or structural damage.
It’s a harsh reality, but being prepared for an active shooter situation can make all the difference. Your emergency plan should train employees to follow three key steps: evacuate if possible, hide when necessary, and as a last resort, take action to stop the threat. The Active Shooter: In The Workplace Training Course equips your team with the knowledge to respond quickly and stay safe under pressure.
Every emergency plan needs role assignments, because when a crisis hits, standing around waiting for instructions isn’t an option. Assign responsibilities like leading evacuations, handling first aid, or shutting down critical systems. And don’t assume people will just “figure it out”, train them.
All employees, from new hires to seasoned vets, should know your emergency action plan. Regular drills reinforce procedures, expose weak spots, and keep safety top of mind. Posting emergency plans and floor maps in visible locations is a simple but effective way to ensure no one is clueless when disaster strikes.
This course covers the basics of emergency action planning, but there’s always more to learn. For a deeper dive into crisis response and workplace safety, enroll in our Workplace Safety: Crisis Management and Emergency Planning Training Course. Because being prepared beats being sorry.
