[May 08, 2013]SPRINGFIELD -- Recent widespread
flooding affected many businesses and their employees in Illinois.
While most disasters can't be prevented, emergency planning can help
businesses keep employees safe in the workplace, and home emergency
plans can keep those employees safe in their homes.
The Illinois Emergency Management Agency is highlighting employee
preparedness throughout May as part of its 2013 preparedness
campaign.
"Businesses that emphasize emergency preparedness, both
in the workplace and for their employees at home, help protect their
most important assets, their employees," said IEMA Director Jonathon
Monken. "Throughout May, we're encouraging businesses to take a look
at their workplace emergency plans, conduct safety drills and
encourage their employees to put together a home emergency supply
kit and family communications plan."
Monken said his agency plans to provide preparedness information
and tips to staff throughout May.
Businesses that don't already have an emergency plan should start
by assessing the threats in their area, such as tornadoes, flooding,
earthquakes or blizzards. Using that assessment, develop a plan that
addresses each threat, taking into consideration time of day and
different shifts. It's also important to include a way to monitor
hazardous weather, such as an NOAA weather alert radio, as well as a
system for alerting employees of approaching hazards.
Businesses should practice the emergency plan regularly so
employees are familiar with the actions to take if a real emergency
occurs.
Employers can help employees be better prepared for emergencies
at home by providing information on how to assemble a home emergency
supply kit and develop a family communications plan, as well as
emphasizing the importance of a weather alert radio in the home.
Information on preparedness topics is available on the Ready
Illinois website at
www.ready.illinois.gov.
