3.3 Preparing an Emergency Action Plan (EAP)

Managers and supervisors prepare an emergency action plan (EAP) and review it annually with employees. The EAP may be communicated orally if there are fewer than 10 employees. However, all employees, including missionaries and volunteers, should be taught what to do in case of an emergency.

Your EAP should have the following essential elements:

• An emergency procedures list for reporting fires and other emergencies and for obtaining emergency help. Give each occupant a copy.

• Emergency escape procedures and emergency exit assignments. Provide a basic floor plan showing exits and emergency details.

• Procedures for assisting personnel who may need special help to get to the evacuation assembly point or guidance on how to shelter in a protected area within the facility.

• Procedures for employees who must remain at the site to perform critical operations before evacuating.

• Designation of an assembly point and procedures to account for all personnel when they have gathered at the assembly point.

• Assignment of first-aid duties.

• First-aid training where required.

• Names of people (including regular job titles) or departments to contact for further information or explanation of duties.

The plan should be explained to each employee when he or she is newly hired, when his or her job changes, and when the plan changes. Update the plan when there are changes in the building layout or in safety systems such as alarms and emergency lighting.