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Business & Preparedness Resources


Safety and preparedness should be considered an investment in your business and employees. New safety and preparedness topics and resources will be added each month to help you facilitate your Safety Meetings.  

February 2009 March 2009 April 2009
May 2009 June 2009 July 2009 August 2009
September 2009 October 2009 November 2009  


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When making the case for why your business should invest time, effort and resources toward safety and disaster preparedness consider:

Six million workers suffer non-fatal workplace injuries at an annual cost to U.S. businesses of more than $125 billion according to OSHA.

Economists calculate that every dollar spent on preparing for a disaster saves seven dollars in response.

Taking it Home logoEmployees that can worry less about their own safety and that of their loved ones make for more productive workers.

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.

 


November 2009
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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.


Resources:
      Vital Records Form (IBHS)
      Vital Records: How Do You Protect and Store? (UW)
      Using a Fire Extinguisher (Video)

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.

Resources:
      Important Documents - PIY
      Generator Safety
      Generator Safety (Video)
      Additional Weather Preparedness Information

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October 2009
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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.


Resources:
      Safety Near Downed Power Lines - Video
      Electrical Safety Fact Sheet - OSHA
      Electrical Safety Quick Card - OSHA


Green River Valley Businesses - Due to weaknesses in the Howard Hanson Dam, higher than normal water flows may be released from the dam this upcoming storm season if we experience significant rainfall. This could cause levees below the dam to overtop impacting areas along the Green River. 

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.


Resources:

      Utility Safety - PIY
      Turning off propane gas - Video
      Turning off electricity at the circuit box - Video
      Turning off residential water - Video
     

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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September 2009
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National Disaster Preparedness Month


September is a busy month in the preparedness realm. The focus for the National Preparedness Month is on:

  • Drop, Cover, Hold in the Workplace
  • Weather Radio Awareness
  • Pandemic Flu Planning


Practice how to safely Drop, Cover, Hold during the statewide drill scheduled for September 16th, 2009 at 10:15 a.m. This is also a good time to update your list of vendor, supplier and customer Key Contacts.

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.


Resources:
      Drop, Cover, Hold in the Workplace (Flyer)
      Key Contacts List
      Weather Radio Awareness
      H1N1 (Swine) Flu Information and Resources

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.


Resources:
      Drop, Cover, Hold at Home (Flyer)
      How to Drop, Cover, Hold at Home - PIY
      Completing Out of Area Contact Cards - PIY
      H1N1 (Swine) Flu Information and Resources


Prepare in a Year - Topic of the Month:
How to Drop, Cover, Hold at Home - Activity #9

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August 2009
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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:

      H1N1 (Swine) Flu Information
      H1N1 Vaccine Information (Flu.gov)
      Guidance for Prevention of H1N1 in Workers (CDC)
    
  How Organizations Can Protect Employees (OSHA)
     
Steps Every Employer Can Take (OSHA)
     
Business Not As Usual - King County (Video)


(1). www.pandemicflu.gov

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.


Resources:

    Plan for Extended Events (PDF)
    Map Your Neighborhood - MYN
    H1N1 (Swine) Flu Information
    Taking Care of a Sick Person in Your Home (CDC)
    School Closures in Washington (OSPI)


Prepare in a Year - Topic of the Month:
Utility Safety - Activity #8

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July 2009
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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:

      Heat Illness and Treatment (CDC NIOSH)
      Using a Fire Extinguisher
- Video
     
Conduct a Fire Drill-Emergency Drill Reporting Form
      Flammable and Combustible Materials (OSHA)
      Fire Danger in Your County (DNR)
      Firewise Program and Resources (NFPA)
     

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.


Resources:

    Fire Safety (PDF)
    Using a Fire Extinguisher - Video
    Grilling Safety (PDF)
    Grilling Safety Tips - Video


Prepare in a Year - Topic of the Month:
Under the Bed Items - Activity #7

Getting Ready - Topic of the Month:
Structural Mitigation - Activity #6

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June 2009
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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:

      Identify your vulnerability to flooding
      National Flood Insurance Program information
      Raise electrical system components (FEMA)
      Raise or floodproof HVAC equipment (FEMA)
     

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.


Resources:

    Food safety - when flooding occurs
    Emergency food supply - how much do you need?

  • Flood related information:
    • What is urban flooding?
    • Why you need flood insurance
    • Myths and facts about the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)
    • Lookout for landslides
  • How to information:
    • Preventing flooding around your home
    • Sandbagging - First line of defense (USACE)
    • Pumping out a flooded basement
    • Protecting your home from backflow
    • Cleaning up and drying out your home
    • The problem with mold


Prepare in a Year - Topic of the Month:
Extended Events - Activity #6

Getting Ready - Topic of the Month:
Garage and Storage Safety - Activity #5

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May 2009
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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 Business Guide - NICS (PDF)
      Shelter-in-Place Video (Quicktime)
      Shelter-in-Place Training/Planning Video (WMV)
      Preparing to Stay or Go (OSHA)
     

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.


Resources:

      Shelter-in-Place at Home (PDF)
      Action Plan - What to Do (see page 2) (PDF)
      Shelter-in-Place Video (Quicktime Required)


Prepare in a Year - Topic of the Month:
Important Documents - Activity #5

Getting Ready - Topic of the Month:
Kitchen and Cabinet Safety - Activity #4


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April 2009
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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:

      Drop, Cover, and Hold for Businesses
      Earthquake Table Top Exercises
      Preparing Your Office for an Earthquake (Video)

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:

  • Choose a safe place in each room of your home.
  • Practice - drop, cover and hold.


Resources:

      Personal and Family Action Plan (PDF)
      Drop, Cover, and Hold at Home
      Drop, Cover, and Hold at School


Prepare in a Year - Topic of the Month:
72-Hour Comfort Kit - Activity #4

Getting Ready - Topic of the Month:
Secure Tall Furniture- Activity #3

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March 2009
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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:

      Safely Storing and Purify Water (PDF)

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.

Resources:

      Safely Storing Water (PDF)
      Turning Off Residential Water (Video)
      Draining Your Water Heater (Video)
      Secure Your Water Heater (PDF)
      Secure Your Water Heater (Video)


Prepare in a Year - Topic of the Month:
Storing Water - Activity #3

Getting Ready - Topic of the Month:
Secure Water Heater - Activity #2

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February 2009
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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:

      Office Preparedness - Non-Structural Mitigation
      How-to Preparedness Videos

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.

Resources:

      Getting Ready - Home Preparedness Overview
      Getting Ready - Secure Wall Hangings-Activity #1
      How-to Preparedness Videos


Prepare in a Year - Topic of the Month:
Out of Area Contact Card - Activity #2

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January 2009
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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:
      Develop/Review Emergency Action Plans (OSHA)
      Is Your Business Ready? - Take the Quiz (IBHS)
   

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.

Resources:
      Prepare in a Year Overview
      PIY - Develop an Action Plan - Month #1

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For questions or comments please email: Business@emd.wa.gov