IMPLEMENTING THE PLAN

Implementing a plan is more than simply exercising the plan during an emergency. It means acting on recommendations made during the planning process, integrating the plan into company operations, training employees, exercising and evaluating the plan.

Emergency planning must become part of the business culture. Look for opportunities beyond employee orientation to build awareness. Educate and train personnel, test procedures, and make emergency management a part of what employees do on a daily basis. Use opportunities already available, such as Florida Hazardous Weather Awareness Week, National Hurricane Awareness Week or National Fire Prevention Week to conduct training sessions or exercises.

All employees will require some form of education and training. General training for all employees should address:
• Individual roles and responsibilities
• Information about threats, hazards and protective actions
• Notification, warning and communications procedures
• Personal/family emergency plans
• Emergency response procedures
• Evacuation, shelter and accountability procedures
• Location and use of common equipment
• Emergency shutdown procedures

Keep in mind that training needs to be a continual effort. For the plan to be efficient and effective, employees need to be knowledgeable about the policies and procedures outlined in the plan as well as their roles and responsibilities.