• Does the plan consider all potential or man-made emergencies that could disrupt your home or workplace?
  

             Common sources of emergencies identified in emergency action plans include - fires, explosions, floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, toxic                  material releases, radiological and biological accidents, civil disturbances and workplace violence.

• Does the plan consider all potential internal sources of emergencies that could disrupt your workplace? 
  

             Conduct a hazard assessment of the workplace to identify any physical  or chemical hazards that may exist and could cause an                  emergency.

• Does the plan consider the impact of these internal and external emergencies on the workplace's operations and is the response tailored to the workplace? 
  

             Brainstorm worst case scenarios asking yourself what you would do and what woujld be the likely impact on your operation and device              appropriate responses.

• Does the plan address how rescue operations will be performed? 
  

             Unless you are a large employer handling hazardous materials and processes or have employees regularly working in hazardous                  situations, you will probably choose to rely on public resources,such as the fire department, who are trained, equiped, and certified to                    conduct rescues. Make sure any external department or agency identified in your plan is prepared to respond as outlined in your                        plan.  Untrained individuals may endanger themselves and those they are trying to rescue.

• Does the plan identify the conditions under which an evacuation would be necessary?
  

             The plan should identify the different types of situations that will require an evacuation of the home and the workplace. This might include              a fire, earthquake, or chemical spill. The extent of evacuation may be different for different types of hazards.

• Does the plan outline specific evacuation routes and exits and are these posted in the home and workplace where they are easily accessible to all employees?

             Most employers create maps from floor diagrams with arrows that designate the exit route assignments.  These maps should include
             locations of exits, assembly points and equipment (such as fire extinguishers, first aid kits, spill kits) that may be needed in an                               emergency.  Exit routes should be clearly marked and well lit, wide enough to accommodate the number of evacuating personnel,
             unobstructed and clear of debris at all times, and unlikely to expose evacuating personnel to additional hazards.

• Does the plan address procedures for assisting people during evacuations, particularly those with disabilities or who do not speak English?

             Many employers designate individuals as evacuation wardens to help move employees from danger to safe areas during an                          emergency.  Generally, one warder for every 20 employees should be adequate, and the appropriate number of wardens should be                     available at all times during working hours.  Wardens may be responsible for checking offices and bathrooms before being the last                      person to exit an area as well as ensuring that fire doors are closed when exiting.  Employees designated to assist in emergency                        evacuation procedures should be trained in the complete workplace layout and various alternative escape routes and should be made                aware of employees with special needs (who may require extra assistance during an evacuation), how to use the buddy system, and                   any hazardous areas to avoid during an emergency evacuation. 

• Does the plan identify a preferred method for reporting fires and other emergencies?

              Dialing  911 is a common method for reporting emergencies if external responders are utilized.  Internal numbers may be used.  Internal               numbers are sometimes connected to intercom systems so that coded announcements may be made.  In some cases employees are               requested to activate manual pull stations or other alarm systems.

• Does the plan describe the methode to be used to alert employees, including disabled workers, to evacuate or take other action?

             Make sure alarms are distinctive and recognized by all employees as a signal to evacuate the work area or perform other actions              identified in your plan.  Sequences of horn blows or different types alarms (bells, horns, etc.) can be used to signal different responses or              actions from employees.  Consider  making available  an emergency communications system, such as a public address system, for                  broadcasting  emergency information to employees.  Ideally alarms will be able to be heard, seen, or otherwise perceived by everyne in              the workplace including those that may be blind or deaf.  Otherwise floor wardens or others must be tasked with ensuring all employees              are notified.  You might want to consider providing an auxiliary power supply in the event of an electrical failure.

• Does the plan identify how and when employees will be trained so that they understand the types of emergencies that may occur, their responsibilities and actions as outlined in the plan?

Once you have reviewed your emergency action plan with your employees and everyone has had the proper training, it is a good idea to hold practice drills as often as necessary to keep employees prepared.  Include outside resources such as fire and police departments when possible.  After each drill, gather management and employees to evaluate the effectiveness of the drill.  Identify the strengths and weaknesses of your plan and work to improve it.