Emergencies are unpredictable, but the way you respond to them doesn’t have to be. Whether it’s a fire, flood, chemical spill, or even a major equipment failure, having a solid emergency response plan (ERP) in place is key to protecting your people, your property, and your business.
If you’re a business owner in Calgary, you’ve probably heard about the importance of an ERP, but let’s be real—how many of us actually know where to start? Don’t sweat it. In this blog, we’ll break down the steps to creating an emergency response plan in simple, practical terms. And, of course, Calgary Safety Consultants is here to help every step of the way.
An ERP is like your business’s “What if?” manual. It’s a detailed guide that lays out how to respond to emergencies quickly and effectively. A good ERP will help you:
And let’s not forget—it’s also required under Alberta OH&S laws for many businesses.
1. Identify Potential Emergencies
What kind of emergencies could affect your business? It depends on your industry, location, and operations. For Calgary businesses, this could include:
List all the risks specific to your business and prioritize them based on likelihood and impact.
2. Define Roles and Responsibilities
During an emergency, everyone needs to know what to do. Assign clear roles, such as:
Make sure each person understands their responsibilities and receives proper training.
3. Develop Emergency Procedures
For each type of emergency, outline step-by-step procedures, including:
Keep it simple—during an emergency, no one has time to read a novel.
4. Stock Up on Emergency Supplies
Your workplace should be equipped with:
Regularly check and restock these supplies to ensure they’re ready when needed.
5. Train Your Team
Even the best plan is useless if your team doesn’t know how to follow it. Schedule regular training sessions to:
The more familiar your team is with the plan, the better they’ll respond when it matters most.
6. Test and Update the Plan
Run mock drills to test your ERP and identify any gaps. After each drill, debrief with your team and make updates as needed. Remember, your plan should evolve as your business grows or changes.
