Module 4 of 19 Foundation Path

Emergency Action Plans

Be Prepared, Stay Safe

Learn your facility's emergency procedures for fires, severe weather, medical emergencies, and more. Know what to do, where to go, and how to stay safe when every second counts.

📚 8 Content Slides
❓ 3 Quiz Questions
⏱ ~10 min
Katie

🎥 Emergency Action Plans: Know Your Plan

Watch this 3-minute overview of emergency procedures and why they matter

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Slide 1 of 8

What is an Emergency Action Plan?

An Emergency Action Plan (EAP) is a written document that describes the actions employees should take to ensure their safety during workplace emergencies.

Key Points:

  • Required by OSHA for most workplaces
  • Covers fires, severe weather, medical emergencies, chemical spills, violence, and more
  • Must be specific to YOUR workplace
  • Should be reviewed at least annually
  • Must be available to all employees

What an EAP Includes:

  • Emergency escape procedures and routes
  • Procedures for employees who stay to operate critical equipment
  • Procedures to account for all employees after evacuation
  • Rescue and medical duties for designated employees
  • How to report fires and other emergencies
  • Names and contact info for emergency personnel
⚠️ "In an emergency, panic is the enemy. Having a plan means everyone knows what to do — no confusion, no hesitation."
Katie
Katie's Tip
"Your EAP isn't just a document — it's your life-saving playbook. Know it before you need it!"
Slide 2 of 8

Types of Workplace Emergencies

🔥 Fire Emergencies

  • Building fires
  • Electrical fires
  • Chemical fires
  • Wildfire approaching facility

🏥 Medical Emergencies

  • Heart attack, stroke
  • Severe injuries
  • Allergic reactions
  • Heat stroke, hypothermia

🌪 Natural Disasters

  • Tornadoes and severe thunderstorms
  • Earthquakes
  • Floods and winter storms

🚨 Other Emergencies

  • Chemical spills or releases
  • Gas leaks and bomb threats
  • Active shooter / workplace violence
  • Power outages and structural failure
Each Emergency Type Requires:
✓ Different response procedures • ✓ Specific evacuation or shelter decisions
✓ Designated roles and responsibilities • ✓ Communication protocols
Katie
Katie's Tip
"Different emergencies need different responses. Fire = evacuate. Tornado = shelter in place. Know the difference!"
Slide 3 of 8

Evacuation Procedures

🚨 When the Alarm Sounds — ACT IMMEDIATELY!
  1. Stop Work Immediately — Don't finish what you're doing. Don't gather belongings. React now.
  2. Exit the Building — Use nearest safe exit. Walk quickly but DON'T RUN. Use stairs — NEVER elevators. Close doors behind you.
  3. Go to Assembly Point — Specific outdoor location, minimum 500 feet from building. Stay there until all-clear.
  4. Report for Accountability — Check in with your supervisor or accountability coordinator. Report missing persons.
  5. Wait for All-Clear — Do NOT re-enter the building. Follow instructions from emergency personnel.

Critical Rules:

  • Never use elevators during evacuation
  • Don't go back for belongings
  • Don't leave the assembly point
  • Don't re-enter building until all-clear
Katie
Katie's Tip
"Get out, stay out, call out! That's the evacuation mantra. Your stuff can be replaced — you can't."
Slide 4 of 8

Assembly Points & Accountability

What is an Assembly Point? A designated outdoor location where all employees gather after evacuating the building.

Assembly Point Requirements:

  • At least 500 feet from building
  • Away from emergency vehicle access routes
  • Weather shelter available if possible
  • Clearly marked and communicated
  • Large enough for all employees

Accountability Process:

  1. Report to Your Assembly Point — Go directly there. Don't go to your car. Stay together as a team.
  2. Check In — Supervisor or accountability coordinator takes roll call. Report if you know anyone is missing.
  3. Communicate — Report injuries immediately. Share any important information with the emergency coordinator.
  4. Stay Put — Don't leave for any reason. Don't re-enter the building. Don't move unless instructed.
Why Accountability Matters:
✓ Emergency responders know if anyone is still inside
✓ Medical help can be directed to injured
✓ Company knows all employees are safe
✓ Required by OSHA
Katie
Katie's Tip
"In an emergency, we're all accountable for each other. Your supervisor needs to know you're safe!"
Slide 5 of 8

Evacuation vs. Shelter in Place

💡 Not All Emergencies = Evacuation! Knowing the difference can save your life.

🚪 EVACUATE When:

  • 🔥 Fire or smoke in building
  • 💨 Gas leak inside
  • ☣️ Chemical spill you can't control
  • 💣 Bomb threat (usually)
  • 🏗 Building damage or collapse risk
  • 🔔 Evacuation alarm sounds

🏠 SHELTER IN PLACE When:

  • 🌪 Tornado warning
  • ☣️ Hazardous chemical release OUTSIDE
  • 🔨 Active shooter OUTSIDE your area
  • ❄️ Severe weather makes evacuation dangerous
  • 📢 Instructed by emergency personnel

Shelter in Place Procedures:

  1. Go to Shelter Area — Interior room with no windows, away from exterior walls
  2. Seal the Room — Close and lock all doors and windows; turn off HVAC
  3. Stay Informed — Monitor emergency communications, listen for updates
  4. Wait for All-Clear — Don't leave until officially cleared
Quick Reference: Fire → Evacuate | Tornado → Shelter | Chemical inside → Evacuate | Chemical outside → Shelter
Katie
Katie's Tip
"Know the difference! Going outside during a tornado or staying inside during a fire could be fatal."
Slide 6 of 8

Emergency Roles & Responsibilities

Designated Emergency Personnel:

📣 Evacuation Coordinator

Directs overall evacuation, communicates with emergency services, makes decisions, declares all-clear

🚶 Floor Wardens

Check assigned areas for people, ensure complete evacuation of their zone, report to coordinator

📋 Accountability Coordinator

Takes roll call at assembly point, accounts for all employees, reports missing persons

🏥 First Aid Responders

Provide emergency medical care, triage injuries, coordinate with EMS, trained in CPR/First Aid

⚙️ Equipment Operators

Shut down critical equipment if time permits, only if trained and safe, evacuate immediately if unsafe

📞 Communications Coordinator

Activates notification system, contacts 911, updates employees and management

Your Responsibilities (Everyone):
✓ Know the emergency procedures • ✓ Know your evacuation routes & assembly point
✓ Respond immediately to alarms • ✓ Follow instructions from emergency personnel
✓ Help others if safe to do so • ✓ Participate in emergency drills
Katie
Katie's Tip
"You might not have a special role, but you have responsibilities. Know what to do and do it!"
Slide 7 of 8

Emergency Drills — Practice Saves Lives

Why We Have Drills:

  • Practice procedures so they become automatic
  • Identify problems with the plan
  • Improve response time
  • Build confidence and reduce panic
  • Meet OSHA requirements

📅 Types of Drills

  • Fire drills — At least annually
  • Tornado drills — If in tornado-prone area
  • Earthquake drills — If in earthquake zones
  • Active shooter drills — Increasingly common

📋 How to Participate

  • Treat every drill as real
  • Follow all procedures exactly
  • Time yourself to the assembly point
  • Note any obstacles or confusion
  • Provide feedback afterward
📊 Regular drills can reduce evacuation time by 50% during real emergencies
Katie
Katie's Tip
"The best time to learn you don't know the evacuation route is during a drill — NOT during a real fire!"
Slide 8 of 8

Special Considerations

♿ Employees with Disabilities

  • Designated safe refuge areas
  • Buddy system assignments
  • Communication methods for hearing/vision impaired
  • Evacuation assistance procedures
  • Never leave anyone behind

👤 Working Alone or Off-Hours

  • Check-in procedures
  • Emergency notification methods
  • Know nearest exits even when alone
  • Cell phone emergency contacts ready

🌏 Working Off-Site

  • Know that location's EAP
  • Identify exits and assembly points
  • Introduce yourself to site emergency coordinator
  • Carry emergency contact info

👬 Visitors and Contractors

  • Must be informed of emergency procedures
  • Should receive visitor badge with evacuation map
  • Included in accountability process
  • Escorted during emergencies if needed
📧 Family Communication: Know your company's family notification procedures. Have your emergency contact list updated. Use designated communication methods — don't call from the assembly point to keep lines clear.
Katie
Katie's Tip
"Everyone deserves to get out safely. Look out for those who need help — we're all in this together!"
Review

Key Takeaways

📖 Know your plan BEFORE an emergency — panic is the enemy
🚪 Get out, stay out, call out — the evacuation mantra
⛔ NEVER use elevators during evacuation — always use stairs
🌪 Know the difference: Evacuate for fire, shelter in place for tornado
🕐 Drills save lives — take every single one seriously
📍 Report to your assembly point and check in — we need to know you're safe
Katie
Katie's Tip
"Ready to test your knowledge? Let's make sure you're prepared for any emergency!"

❓ Knowledge Check

Question 1 of 3

What does EAP stand for?

❓ Knowledge Check

Question 2 of 3

True or False: During a fire evacuation, you should use the elevator if it's the fastest way out.

❓ Knowledge Check

Question 3 of 3

During a tornado warning, you should:

📊 Quiz Results

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Results

Katie