When it comes to emergency preparedness, it's important to be prepared for the unexpected. Prevention, mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery are the five steps of emergency management. To ensure that disaster response is not hampered by disorganization or lack of communication, it's essential to develop an emergency preparedness plan that includes six key elements. The first step in developing an emergency response plan is to perform a risk assessment to identify potential emergency scenarios.
Government agencies such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) offer a wealth of resources on the subject of emergency preparedness planning. The regulations will also shape an emergency operations plan, as some companies may need to notify government officials if an emergency occurs at the site. The regulation on emergency preparedness requirements for participating Medicare and Medicaid providers and providers outlines four main elements that apply to the 17 types of providers, with a degree of variation from inpatient versus outpatient, long-term care versus not long-term care.
1.Immediate Notification
If you decide to do nothing more than call for help and evacuate, you should prepare an emergency plan that includes immediate notification of emergency services.
This should include contact information for local fire departments, police departments, hospitals and other relevant agencies.
2.Protective Measures
Protective measures for the safety of life should also be included in your emergency plan. This could include evacuation routes, shelter-in-place instructions and other safety protocols.
3.Employee Accountability
Accounting for all employees is another important element of any emergency preparedness plan. This could include a list of employees who need to be contacted in case of an emergency or a system for tracking employee whereabouts during an evacuation.
4.Training Scenarios
The final element of any emergency preparedness plan is to thoroughly test your detailed training scenarios. This could include tabletop exercises or simulations that test your team's ability to respond to various emergencies.
5.Emergency Operations Center
Response actions may include activating the emergency operations center (EOC).
The EOC is a central command center where personnel can coordinate response efforts during an emergency.
6.Resources
Conducting an internal preparedness program that reviews these scenarios and outlines the steps to take in an emergency can be a vital part of the communication process. CNECT is a group purchasing organization (GPO) that can help you gather the resources and materials needed to develop, train and execute your emergency preparedness plan. In conclusion, having an effective emergency preparedness plan is essential for any organization or business. By following these six key elements, you can ensure that your team is well-prepared for any potential emergencies.
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