Emergency Preparedness

For additional information and tips on emergency preparedness, read the DEP's Emergency Preparedness Sustainability Guide here.

1. Establish an Emergency Preparedness Team or Leader.

This should include employees who are familiar with your program and can help implement this action.

2. Create or use an existing checklist to take actions before, during and after an event.

Identify actions you can take and existing checklists to prepare your business for emergencies.Check out Quick Tips Guide for Small Manufacturing Businesses on Reducing Toxic Releases Related to Storm Events developed by the USEPA Region 2.

3. Create an Emergency Contact List

The Emergency Contact List should include the emergency telephone numbers for the following:

Local fire department,
Local health department,
Department of Environmental Protection Hotline 1-877 WARN DEP or 1-877-927-6337,
Any other appropriate local or State agencies;
The name and telephone number(s) of the person responsible for the operation of the facility during an emergency.

4. Assess your risk for natural, health, and technology related hazards.

Take a business assessment to evaluate your risk and readiness.

Check out these resources from FEMA.

US Small Business Administration – Emergency Preparedness

The resources provided can help you develop a plan to protect your employees, lessen the financial impact of disasters, and re-open your business quickly to support economic recovery in your community.

Ready Rating: A FREE Service from the American Red Cross (Membership is required)

Ready Rating is a program that helps businesses, schools and organizations become prepared for disasters and other emergencies. All in one place, Ready Rating members have access to one-of-a-kind tools, resources and information for evaluating and improving their ability to withstand disaster, maintain operations, and protect lives and property. Whether you are taking your first steps or have a fully-functioning emergency management program, the Ready Rating program can help you achieve a higher level of preparedness.

5. Flood proof your business

Know your Flood Risk - is your business in a flood zone? Take actions to flood proof your business to reduce flood damange and minimize the release of hazardous materials.

Check out these Flooding Factsheets to help you determine your flood risk and flood proof your business.