Emergency Preparedness
Domain scope
This domain tests emergency preparedness: risk-based planning, roles, evacuation, drills, review and coordination with external responders.
Core rules and concepts
- Start with an emergency risk assessment covering fire, explosion, chemical release, medical emergency, flood, civil disturbance and utility failure.
- An emergency response plan should cover scope, roles, alarm and communication, evacuation routes, assembly points, roll call, first aid, spill response, shutdown, mutual aid and business continuity.
- Use wardens, deputies and a clear incident command structure. Account for visitors, contractors, night shift and people with disabilities.
- Test the plan through tabletop, functional and full-scale exercises; record lessons and close actions.
- Interface with NEMA, state emergency agencies, fire service, police and hospitals; know response times and access routes.
- Review after every drill, near miss and real event.
Worked example
A 200-worker warehouse drills evacuation. Everyone reaches the assembly point in 15 minutes, but no roll call is taken and two contractors are unaccounted for. The plan is revised: zone wardens carry lists, visitors sign in and out, contractors are inducted, assembly points are marked and a second drill tests night shift. The debrief is minuted and actions are assigned.
Traps
A plan that has never been tested; assuming headcount equals roll call; ignoring visitors and contractors; no plan for disabled workers; and failing to integrate with external responders.