THE OFFICE of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) is urging businesses to implement comprehensive emergency plans in preparation for disasters.
According to Director of Information and Training at ODPEM, Nadine Newsome, businesses should as a matter of urgency, examine every possible hazard and potential disaster and plan for it.
"This is whether it is civil unrest or accidents or disasters. Each can pose a significant threat to your business, therefore you must have some kind of plan in place to respond to all emergencies," she cautioned.
MORE SHOULD BE DONE
While recognising that some businesses have made an effort to make general plans for disasters and business recovery, Miss Newsome noted that some lack specificity.
"It (the disaster response plan) must give particular reference and input to positions, in terms of who will carry out particular functions in the event of a disaster," she said.
Ms. Newsome also said the plan should outline in detail the role of selected persons in the organisation.
EMERGENCY PLANS SHOULD INCLUDE:
Safety wardens for each floor of a building.
Procedures to govern emergency exits and lighting for emergency routes.
Strategies for getting staff and clients who may be disabled, out of the building in the event of an emergency.
