Emergency Preparedness Manuals
Friday, November 10, 2017
by: Teresa Henning, American Assets Trust

Section: Trends and Tips




  • Emergency Preparedness Manuals – The Quick & Dirty on How to Get Started
    • Risk Assessment & Performance Objectives
      • What type of plan do you need, what’s your current readiness, identify opportunities for improvements,
    • Developing a Budget,
      • Whether you’re working with an interior committee, or paying an outside firm to develop your Emergency Preparedness plan, you’ll need a budget, and that comes after research.
        • Check with your peers, other property managers and building owners – what are they doing, and how did they do it,
        • Check with your local BOMA chapter for vendors who provide this service,
        • Check out local and national government websites. FEMA has some great resources for businesses, as well as Ready.gov,
    • Owner Approval – Your budget is developed, now you need Owner approval,
      • Be ready to deliver the 3-minute elevator pitch - practice,
      • Have the back-up ready to hand over, emailed or sent out for their review,
      • Have your Preparedness Policy – the ‘why’s’ that support this idea ready to recite and share – some examples:
        • Protect the safety of employees, visitors, contractors and others at risk from hazards at the facility. Plan for persons with disabilities and functional needs,
        • Maintain customer service by minimizing interruptions or disruptions of business operations,
        • Protect facilities, physical assets and electronic information,
        • Prevent environmental contamination,
        • Protect the organization’s brand, image and reputation,
    • Your Budget’s Approved – Congratulations! Now you can get started on developing your program,
    • Training Tools –
      • Flipbook – covers all potential disasters and a snapshot of what each Emergency Team Member is responsible for doing,
        • Sending an email blast to tenants – advising executive team – initiating evacuations,
      • Emergency Blast Scripts,
        • Different scripts or notices for each different situation: earthquake, fire, active shooter, bomb threat, power outage, etc.,
          • Sent by email and by mobile text,
      • Training Video or Power Point
        • If your budget supports it, a professionally developed training video that provides your clients with a quick and easy tool for their employees that doesn’t take up a lot of time, but keeps their attention, and stays in their minds,
    • End Result – satisfaction and peace of mind, and a well informed team!