Emergency Planning INSTRUCTOR’S NOTES: This presentation is designed to assist trainers conducting OSHA 10-hour General Industry outreach training for youth workers. Since youth workers are the target audience, this presentation may cover hazard identification, avoidance, and control – not standards. No attempt has been made to treat the topic exhaustively. It is essential that trainers tailor their presentations to the needs and understanding of their audience. This presentation is not a substitute for any of the provisions of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 or for any standards issued by the U.S. Department of Labor. Mention of trade names, commercial products, or organizations does not imply endorsement by the U.S. Department of Labor.

Emergency Action An emergency is any unplanned event that can cause death or significant injury to employees, customers, or the public. Emergencies can shut down a business or organization, disrupt operations, cause physical or environmental damage, and threaten the facility’s financial standing or public image. INSTRUCTOR’S NOTES: An emergency is any unplanned event that can cause death or significant injury to employees, customers, or the public. An emergency can shut down a business or organization, disrupt operations, cause physical or environmental damage, and threaten the facility’s financial standing or public image.

Emergency Action Emergencies can be caused by naturally occurring events, such as: Tornadoes Earthquakes Hurricanes Floods Typhoons INSTRUCTOR’S NOTES: When an emergency takes place, having a plan could protect you and others from injury or death. In order to plan for any emergency, you have to know the types of emergencies that could occur around you. Emergencies can be caused by naturally occurring events such as tornadoes, earthquakes, hurricanes, floods or typhoons

Emergency Action Additionally, emergencies can be caused by human actions such as: Starting a fire Causing a chemical spill Committing hostile acts INSTRUCTOR’S NOTES: They may also be caused by human actions, both deliberate and accidental, such as starting a fire, causing a chemical spill, or acting with hostility.

Emergency Planning Would you know what to do in the event of a: Tornado? Fire? Hazardous chemical spill? INSTRUCTOR’S NOTES: If you don’t have good answers for these kinds of questions, an emergency can quickly become a total disaster. Without a plan in place prior to an emergency, your response will be disorganized and potentially fatal. For this reason, emergency planning is critical. A plan will help you StartSafe and StaySafe by preparing you and others to respond effectively in the event of an emergency. This is why Emergency Action Plans are so important.

Emergency Action Plans Emergency Action Plans (EAP) must include: Evacuation procedures Procedures for critical plant operations Procedures to account for all employees Rescue and medical duties Means of reporting fires and other emergencies Names or job titles of persons to contact about the EAP INSTRUCTOR’S NOTES: Ask the students this question: What is an Emergency Action Plan (EAP)? An emergency action plan (EAP) is a written document required by particular OSHA standards. The purpose of an EAP is to facilitate and organize employer and employee actions during workplace emergencies. The elements of the plan must include, but are not limited to: Evacuation procedures and emergency escape route assignments. Procedures to be followed by employees who remain to operate critical plant operations before they evacuate. Procedures to account for all employees after an emergency evacuation has been completed. Rescue and medical duties for those employees who are to perform them. Means of reporting fires and other emergencies. Names or job titles of persons who can be contacted for further information or explanation of duties under the plan. An emergency can happen anytime and anywhere, so being familiar with guidelines for responding to different emergencies is important. An emergency action plan must be in writing, kept in the workplace, and available to employees for review. However, an employer with 10 or fewer employees may communicate the plan orally to employees.

Emergency Action Plans General guidelines for an Emergency Action Plan are: Create a plan Practice your plan Set up ways to contact your family Stay calm Follow all warnings INSTRUCTOR’S NOTES: Here are some general guidelines: Create a plan Practice your plan Set up ways to contact your family Stay calm Follow the instructions of the local authorities. Know if you should STAY, GET AWAY, or FIND COVER. You can learn about Emergency Preparedness from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) at www.fema.gov/areyouready

Things You May Need Here are some of the things you may need in an emergency: First Aid Kit Water Non-perishable food Basic tools Flashlight Bleach Blankets Fire extinguisher INSTRUCTOR’S NOTES: The best way to be safe is to be prepared. To StartSafe, have available the resources you may need. To StaySafe, follow some general guidelines in case you are faced with an emergency situation. Here are some of the resources you may need: First Aid Kit Water Non-perishable Food Basic Tools Flashlight Bleach Blankets Fire Extinguisher You may also want to keep a small emergency kit in your vehicle with items you might need should you be stranded.

Tornadoes Some emergency guidelines for tornadoes if you are inside are: Go to an interior room, hallway, storm cellar, basement, or lowest level of the building. Get away from the windows. Go to the center of the room. INSTRUCTOR’S NOTES: Here are emergency guidelines for tornadoes if you’re inside.

Tornadoes If you are inside during a tornado, here are some more things to consider: Avoid places with wide-span roofs such as auditoriums or cafeterias. Get under a piece of sturdy furniture. Use your arms to protect your head and neck. If you’re in a mobile home, get out and find shelter elsewhere. INSTRUCTOR’S NOTES: Emergency guidelines for tornadoes if you’re inside continued

Tornadoes If you are outside during a tornado, here are some emergency guidelines to follow: If possible, get inside a building. If shelter is not available or there is no time to get indoors, lie in a ditch or low-lying area or crouch near a strong building. Use you arms to protect your head and neck. INSTRUCTOR’S NOTES:

Tornadoes If you are in a moving vehicle during a tornado, follow these guidelines: Never try to “out drive” a tornado. Get out of the vehicle, get away from the vehicle, take shelter in a nearby building or lay down in a ditch or low-lying area. DO NOT hide under a bridge or overpass. INSTRUCTOR’S NOTES:

Earthquakes Emergency guidelines for earthquakes if you’re inside: Stay inside. Take cover under a piece of heavy furniture or against an inside wall. If you’re outside: Move into the open, away from buildings, street lights, and utility wires until the shaking stops. Stay there until the shaking stops. INSTRUCTOR’S NOTES:

Earthquakes Emergency guidelines for earthquakes if you’re in a vehicle: Stop quickly and stay in your vehicle. Move to a clear area away from buildings, trees, overpasses, or utility wires. Once the shaking has stopped, proceed with caution. Avoid bridges or ramps that might have been damaged by the quake. INSTRUCTOR’S NOTES: After the earthquake, be prepared for aftershocks. Although smaller than the main shock, aftershocks cause additional damage and may bring weakened structures down. Aftershocks typically occur in the following hours or days, but can take place for weeks or even months after the quake.

Hurricanes Emergency guidelines for hurricanes: Prepare an evacuation plan. Assemble a disaster supply kit. Install hurricane shutters or plywood. Listen to the instructions of local officials. INSTRUCTOR’S NOTES: Here are emergency guidelines for hurricanes: Prepare an evacuation plan by identifying ahead of time where you could go if you are told to evacuate. Assemble a Disaster Supply Kit including items such as: first aid kit and essential medications, canned food and a can opener, at least three gallons of water per person, protective clothing, rainwear, bedding, battery-powered radio, flashlight, and extra batteries. Prepare for high winds by installing hurricane shutters or purchase precut 1/2" outdoor plywood boards for each window of your home. If a Hurricane Watch or Warning is issued, listen to the instructions of local officials, and evacuate immediately if told to do so.

Fires Emergency guidelines for fires inside buildings: Get out and stay out. Be aware of primary and alternate exit routes. Crawl low when necessary. Feel closed doors to see if they are hot before using them. Signal or call for help. INSTRUCTOR’S NOTES: Once you are out of the building, stay out! If you see smoke or fire in your first escape route, use an alternate way out. If you must exit through smoke, crawl low under the smoke to your exit. If you are escaping through a closed door, feel the door first and if it is warm, use an alternate way out. If smoke, heat, or flames block your exit routes, stay in the room with the door closed. Signal for help using a bright-colored cloth at the window. If there is a telephone in the room, try to call 911 and tell them where you are.

Chemical Spills Here are a few emergency guidelines for chemical spills: Call “911”. Get far away from the chemical. Follow instructions of local officials. INSTRUCTOR’S NOTES: It is possible that a hazardous chemical could be released into your immediate environment. This could occur as a result of incidents with underground pipelines, railway or highway vehicles, or manufacturing plants that use or carry hazardous chemicals. While sometimes these incidents may result in a fire or explosion, many times you may not see or smell anything unusual. In the event of a chemical emergency, certain authorities should provide instructions for specific actions you should take. Here are emergency guidelines for chemical spills: Call “911” Get far away from the chemical Follow instructions of local officials

Hostile Acts Emergency guidelines for hostile acts: Remain calm. Follow the instructions of local officials. Listen to your radio or television for news and instructions. If possible, provide first aid and get help. Check on your neighbors, especially those who are elderly or disabled. \ Call your family contact, then avoid using your telephones so they will be available for further emergency response calls. INSTRUCTOR’S NOTES: A hostile act can create an emergency situation. While circumstances may vary, here are some general guidelines for response: Remain calm Follow the instructions of local officials. Listen to your radio or television for news and instructions. If possible, provide first aid and get help. Check on your neighbors, especially those who are elderly or disabled. Call your family contact, then restrict your use of the telephone lines so they will be available for further emergency response calls.

Summary With emergency planning, you can StartSafe and StaySafe by: Recognizing the importance of planning. Understanding the types of emergencies you may have in your area. Familiarizing yourself with your surroundings. Knowing your employer’s Emergency Action Plan (EAP). Following the guidelines that are established in the emergency action plan. Following the guidelines for staying safe in the aftermath of an emergency situation. Visiting www.fema.gov/areyouready for more information. INSTRUCTOR’S NOTES: You can be safe with emergency planning by: Recognizing the importance of planning your emergency response before there is an actual emergency. Understanding the types of emergencies that could occur. Familiarizing yourself with your surroundings and thinking about what you would do in an emergency. Knowing your employer’s Emergency Action Plan (EAP). Following the guidelines that are established in the emergency action plan. Following the guidelines for staying safe in the aftermath of a naturally occurring event or an event caused by human action.