Keep your evacuation plan updated

Remember one of the first things that happened after Sept. 11? Businesses everywhere dusted off their emergency evacuation and disaster plans; or, if they didn’t have one, scurried around to put one in place.

Fast forward seven-plus years and take a reality check. Is your plan still viable? Does it need to be updated? Is the information reviewed at least annually and communicated to new employees? Look at some of the events we have been experiencing: from tornadoes to ice storms to power outages to severe cold weather. Ask yourself how your plans would respond in these situations, or any situation that might occur in your area of the country.

Start with a basic evacuation plan that establishes clear procedures for authority, evacuation routes, training and communication. For a good check list, call the program administrator for GlassInsure, NGA’s sponsored insurance program, at 800/640-7601, and ask for “Practical Tips for Evacuation Planning.”