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When making the case for why your business should invest time, effort and resources toward safety and disaster preparedness consider:
Taking it Home will help your employees prepare for disasters at home and in doing so, be able to return to work sooner. These activities also reinforce the monthly safety messages promoted at the workplace.
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Cold Weather & Flood Preparedness Important, or essentials records, contain vital information that would cause a disruption of business if the records were damaged or lost in a disaster. These records include media such as paper, photographic images, microfilm, electronic data systems, electronic images, maps and drawings, or any other media used for recording information of all types. Severe weather in Washington may increase the possibility of disasters such as flooding, wind storms, and power outages. Planning for, and protecting your essential records in advance, will minimize the disruption of operations and reduce the economic impact of a disaster to your business. Green River Valley Businesses: For businesses within the Green River Valley, being prepared for potential flooding is critical. See our Green River Event page - Business and Community Organization section for information, resources and links to help in your planning, mitigation, response and recovery efforts. |
Being prepared at home is just as important as being prepared at the workplace. A fire, flood, or broken water pipe could cause serious damage to your home. Take action now to protect and store your important documents. Green River Valley Residents: See our Green River page for important information on how to prepare for flooding, what to do if a flood occurs, and how to recover if your home is flooded. |
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Windstorm Preparedness The series of windstorms we have experienced over the last several years caused severe damage and left many businesses and homes without power for extended periods. In addition to power outages, windstorms can also create hazardous conditions such as the danger of downed powerlines. For example, during the December 2006 windstorm, Puget Sound Energy reported that 85 high voltage transmission lines were knocked down by trees. Take the time this month to train employees to safely move and work around downed power lines and electrical wires.
It is critical to prepare for the possibility of flooding. See our Green River Event web page - Business and Community Organization section for information, resources and links to help in your planning, mitigation, response and recovery efforts. |
Preparedness at home requires action to be taken before an event occurs. Take the time now to identify where your utilities are located and learn how to safely shut them off. Green River Valley Residents - In addition to preparing for potential windstorms and power outages, it is critical to prepare for the possibility of flooding should we experience significant rainfall this year. See our Green River Event web page for information, resources and links to help in your preparedness and mitigation activities. |
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National Disaster Preparedness Month
In preparing for the up-coming storm season, it is critical to be alert to potential situations that can threaten your business and property. The NOAA Weather Radio can alert you to a threat and provide critical information about the threat. If you already have a weather radio, this is a good time to replace the batteries and ensure it is set to the proper frequency. If you don't have one, this is a great time to purchase one - it may save your business. We continue to encourage employers to prepare their employees and to plan for pandemic flu. See our H1N1 Flu page for guidance and information. |
Drop, Cover, Hold at home also takes practice - identify a safe place in each room and practice throughout the month of September. Take the time to fill out an Out-of-Area Contact Card for each of your loved ones. Don't forget to take steps to protect yourself and your loved ones from the seasonal flu as well as the H1N1 flu. Children face a higher risk. According to the World Health Organization, children and young adults between the ages of 5 to 29 years of age were the main group affected by the H1N1 flu earlier this year. Prepare in a Year - Topic of the Month: |
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Pandemic Flu Planning "A pandemic is a global disease outbreak. A flu pandemic occurs when a new influenza virus emerges for which people have little or no immunity and for which there is no vaccine. The disease spreads easily person-to-person, causes serious illness, and can sweep across the country and around the world in very short time." (1) H1N1 (Swine) flu is a potential threat and could impact your business operations. As of July 24th, there have been 658 confirmed/probable cases of the H1N1 flu in Washington. This number is expected to increase as the regular influenza season begins. This is the time to start preparing your business and your employees for the potential of a pandemic flu outbreak. Take action now. Resources: |
Taking it Home Planning for a pandemic at home is an essential step toward ensuring the health and comfort of your loved ones. Plan for extended events and learn how to care for those who may become ill. Also remember - in a disaster, including a pandemic event, your most immediate source of help are the neighbors living around you. Take the time to prepare your neighborhood before disaster strikes. Prepare in a Year - Topic of the Month: |
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Summer Safety Did you know that 85 percent - the majority of wildfires in Washington are human-caused (DNR). Whether your business is in a rural area or an urban area - fire is a potential risk. Mitigate your fire risk by carrying out these simple steps: Outside: Increasing temperatures and drying vegetation can create a hazardous environment. During July, conduct a 'clean up' by removing combustible items from near buildings and ensure the proper storage of these items. Prevent debris from building up on the grounds by trimming vegetation and clearing leaves and other flammable debris. Inside: Check inside your building for potential flammable and combustible materials hazards. Also, train your employees on the proper use of a fire extinguisher and conduct fire drills during the month of July. Employee Safety: In addition to fire, the summer can increase the danger of extreme heat in the work environment. Heat can cause illness and even death. Review with employees the symptoms of heat-related illnesses and the First Aid steps for treatment. Resources: |
Taking it Home Going to fire up a grill? Be alert: "In 2003-2006, U.S. fire departments responded to an average of 7,900 home fires involving grills, hibachis or barbecues per year, including an average of 2,900 structure fires and 5,000 outside fires". (NFPA) Practice fire safety and ensure that you and your loved ones know how to properly use a fire extinguisher. Prepare in a Year - Topic of the Month: Getting Ready - Topic of the Month: |
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Spring/Early Summer Hazards Spring and early summer can bring more than just sunshine and warmer temperatures. Floods are a common hazard that we must contend with during this season and are the number one natural disaster in the United States. Did you know that just one inch of water can cause costly damage to property? During the month of June, focus on elevating computer and electronic equipment off the floor - a simple step to protect your business against flood damage. Resources: |
Taking it Home Homeowners, you can take action now to reduce the risk of flood damage by taking simple steps to make your home and property less susceptible to damage.
Prepare in a Year - Topic of the Month: Getting Ready - Topic of the Month: |
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Volcano Awareness Month / Shelter-in-Place In 1980, Mount St. Helen's erupted sending ash clouds across our state. Scientist agree that Mount St. Helens and other volcanoes in the Cascade Range are capable of future eruptions. Sheltering-in-Place may be required if evacuation is not possible in the event of a volcanic eruption or a local hazardous materials incident. During a disaster, people often have an instinctual response to run. Training your employees to shelter-in-place before an incident will ensure they quickly move to a safe place, take the appropriate actions, and avoid the urge to run. Resources: |
Shelter-in-Place at Home You may need to shelter-in-place at your home due to ashfall from a volcanic eruption or toxic fumes from a hazardous materials incident. Prepare a "safe room" in your home - this is a room that can be quickly and easily sealed to protect those inside from ash and other airborne agents. Prepare in a Year - Topic of the Month: Getting Ready - Topic of the Month: |
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Washington Disaster Preparedness Month Governor Gregoire has declared April as Washington Disaster Preparedness Month. The focus for this month is earthquake preparedness. During an earthquake, the safest action to take is to drop, cover and hold. On April 22nd at 9:45 a.m. businesses, schools, and organizations across Washington will participate in a Drop, Cover and Hold drill. Disaster Preparedness Month is a great opportunity to have all employees practice earthquake safety in the workplace. Resources: |
Would your loved ones know what to do if an earthquake occurred during the middle of the night? Learn the actions to take during an earthquake to ensure your safety and that of your loved ones:
Prepare in a Year - Topic of the Month: Getting Ready - Topic of the Month: |
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Water - Essential for Survival Having an ample supply of clean water is a top priority in an emergency. During a disaster it is possible that you may need to shelter at your place of business. Ensure the welfare and safety of your employees and customers by having a supply of clean drinking water stored. The minimum amount of water required is one gallon per person per day - for a minimum of three days. Take the time during the month of March to store this essential supply of water. Resources: |
Water is essential for survival. After a disaster or extended power outage it may be necessary to have a supply of clean drinking water available for you and your loved ones. Learn how much you need, how to safely store it, and how to treat water with questionable purity. In addition, take time this month to secure your water heater. This can be a valuable source of extra water after a disaster. Prepare in a Year - Topic of the Month: Getting Ready - Topic of the Month: |
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Minimize the Risk Washington is earthquake country. Minimizing hazards in the workplace will not only reduce the risk of injuries and loss of life for employees and customers, but also help guarantee your level of continued service by reducing down time. During the month of February identify potential dangers in your workplace and take action to remedy the hazards you find. Resources: |
Imagine trying to move through your house to check on your loved ones after an earthquake - what hazards would you encounter? The most common personal injury resulting from an earthquake is cut feet. Broken glass from picture frames, mirrors, or other glass objects can cause serious injury, and even death.
A simple fix: secure your wall hangings and other items to reduce this risk. Also, keep a pair of sturdy, well-fitting shoes near your bed in case you have to flee in a hurry.
It is simple, easy and inexpensive. Prepare in a Year - Topic of the Month: |
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Key to Success: Preparedness The Small Business Administration suggests that an emergency plan is as important as your business plan. An emergency plan may make the difference between being shut down for a few days, and losing your livelihood. The purpose of an Emergency Action Plan "is to facilitate and organize employer and employee actions during workplace emergencies" (OSHA). The new year is a great time to review or develop your emergency action plans. Resources: |
We often think "it won't happen here", but as we have seen in recent years disasters such as floods, severe winter storms, and extended power outages do occur across our state. We must accept this fact and take the responsibility to prepare our loved ones, homes and neighborhoods. Prepare in a Year is an innovative and simple approach to disaster preparedness. You simply choose one hour each month and complete the designated activity. You can start any time of the year, but why not make disaster preparedness a part of your New Year's commitment. |
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For questions or comments please email: Business@emd.wa.gov
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