Workplace emergency preparedness

Fire exit sign.

Not only is emergency preparedness important at home, but it’s also important to be prepared for emergencies if they occur while you are at work. Emergencies can happen at anytime. Being prepared and understanding how your workplace handles emergencies will help you if an emergency does occur.

What is an emergency? 

An emergency is a situation or impending situation that is dangerous and can result in serious harm to persons or property, caused by forces of nature, disease, accident or an intentional act.

Steps to emergency preparedness

  • Know the risks 
  • Create a plan
  • Get an emergency kit 
  • Stay informed 

Risks in the workplace

Below are some examples of risks in the workplace:

  • Severe weather, such as:
    • Tornados 
    • Winter weather
    • Wind storms
  • Critical infrastructure failure, such as:
    • Loss of power
    • Loss of internet
    • Loss of phone service
  • Hazardous material incidents, such as gas leaks (including carbon monoxide leaks)
  • Fires
  • Medical emergencies

Workplace emergency plan

Workplaces may have their own emergency plans. It is important to be familiar with the plans. 

  • Know your workplace evacuation plan 
    • Make sure you know where the meeting spot is at your workplace. If there is an evacuation, check in and let folks know that you are safe 
  • Make sure to know what your workplace plan is for lockdowns, Hold and Secure, and shelter in place 
    • Shelter in place: usually an environmental threat, such as a gas leak outside of the facility 
    • Hold and Secure: serious threat outside of the workplace that is implemented to protect individuals from leaving 
    • Lockdown: when the threat is in the facility 

Work emergency kit 

Not only should you have an emergency kit at home and in your vehicle, but it is also important to have one in the workplace. Sometimes an emergency may happen and you can’t return home, so it is important to have items with you. 

Work emergency kit

Example of your work emergency kit items include: 

  • A copy of your family’s emergency plan 
  • List of emergency contacts, such as home, work, school, day cares and out of area contact
  • Copies of important family documents, such as insurance documents, identification cards and passports 
  • Snack food, such as granola bars and non-perishable food items
  • Water bottles
  • A change of clothing and running shoes 
  • A flashlight and extra batteries 
  • Extra mobile charger 
  • A whistle 
  • Extra cash in case banking systems goes down 
  • A list of your medical information 

Stay updated during an emergency

Here are some tips on how to stay up to date during an emergency:

  • Set up news alerts during an emergency situation
  • Make sure your employer knows how to contact you if something does occur at the workplace 
  • Listen to first responders
  • Some updates may be posted on the City of London social media pages or first responder social media pages
  • Sign up for Alert London to receive critical public safety messages. In the event of a large-scale emergency, a notification may be issued to residents and businesses who have registered for the system and are living in close proximity to the emergency situation.
Last modified:Tuesday, January 07, 2025