If your business is in a region impacted by wildfires, it is best to have a wildfire evacuation plan in place. Protecting your business from wildfires is one thing, but an evacuation plan protects your employees. Wildfire evacuation plans help your employees understand safety protocols. Additionally, it helps guide how the business will regroup and continue to operate. The fire protection experts at Code 4 Fire Watch put together some helpful tips for business wildfire evacuation plans.
Understand the Wildfire Situation
When it comes to protecting your business from wildfires, the first step is monitoring any fires approaching the business. The sooner you know there is a threat, the more time you must prepare. Communicate with your employees to ensure everyone is aware. Monitor the active fire mapping program from the USDA Forest Service and be aware of any fires in your area. Alerts should be sent out by your community, so always make sure to check with your officials or local news.
Prepare Your Employees
Constant communication with employees about any dangerous situation is crucial. Send weekly or even daily updates about any situation you are monitoring. Every employee should know exactly what to do if a wildfire is approaching. Practicing and reviewing wildfire evacuation drills are helpful ways to keep employees safe.
Decide How to Communicate During and After a Wildfire Evacuation
Establish communication protocols during an emergency. This allows you to stay in contact with employees and ensure everyone is safe. Consider setting up a hotline for employees to call or another way for employees to mark themselves as safe. Communication is one of the most important aspects of emergency preparedness.
Secure Important Business Documents
Determine what documents are crucial to the business and how to prepare them for an evacuation. If a wildfire is approaching, time is of the essence, and you need to be ready ahead of time. Make copies of business-critical documents and have them ready to go. This can include payroll and tax documents, employee records, hard-drive backups, and insurance documents. If your business has a large digital presence, consider cloud backups in case the business suffers damage from a wildfire.
Establish Evacuation Routes
Many local communities affected by wildfires publish evacuation routes. If your community has not done so, work with your business to come up with wildfire evacuation routes. Always establish more than one route in case a fire blocks the planned path. Oftentimes, employees rely on public transportation for their commute to work. Check with every employee to make sure they have an alternative way to evacuate if needed. Designate team leaders to help guide employees to their evacuation route and help anyone who needs assistance. Pay attention to any employees with disabilities and work with them to provide any assistance.
If a wildfire evacuation notice has been issued, begin evacuating the business immediately. The goal of establishing a business wildfire evacuation and preparedness plan is to be able to quickly leave. Every minute counts in an emergency so be ready to go when the time comes.
Fire Safety Tips for Businesses at Risk of Wildfires
Every business should have plans set in place for natural disasters, especially wildfires. If your business is in a high-risk area, build a plan and practice with your teams. Fire safety is the responsibility of every employee. Work with your teams to find any potential gaps in your plans and make sure each person knows how to keep themselves, and others, safe. Code 4 Fire Watch protects businesses through manual fire watch patrols. If your business is at risk of fire, or your emergency fire systems are down, contact our team today. Our fire watch services are available 24/7 and can be on-location quickly.
