Prepare for an emergency

Think emergency drills are only for schoolchildren? Think again. The National Safety Council urges all workers to take drills seriously.

“In the event of a real emergency, the more thoughtful practice you have, the less likely that you’ll be completely panic-stricken and instead you’ll be more likely to go into action,” the council states.

To prepare for a workplace emergency:

• Find out the types of emergency drills your workplace conducts and how your employer expects you to respond.
• Know your employer’s procedures for reporting emergencies. Some workplaces want employees to call 911, while others have an in-house emergency number.
• Memorize the locations of your building’s fire alarms, extinguishers and escape routes.
• If an alarm sounds, focus on getting out of the building – through the nearest exit – as quickly and safely as possible. Don’t return to your work area to retrieve personal items.
• If you work on an upper floor and have a physical issue that prevents you from taking the stairs, talk to your supervisor about creating a plan to assist you in the event of an emergency.