Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Map Out your Property

Giving all staff on property a specific map that provides the location of critical equipment location is a must!! Having an uninformed staff is more than a liability it should be classified as criminal! In my humble opinion, everyone should know the following locations:

  • Main electrical service disconnects
  • Locations of all "common/public" area electrical sub-panels
  • Main water service shut offs
  • Fire risers
  • Fire Extinguishers
  • Fire Pull Stations
  • Emergency Exits
  • Fire Hydrants
  • Main gas service shut offs
Here is an example of what I once created to help indicate specific locations. I think you would be surprised at how easy they are to create, how informative they can be and how impressed/genuinely great-full the rest of the staff will be towards your for having created such a helpful document. 


After having created a map, you should work with all departments to help create an "action plan," in the event of an emergency. I once read an article that interviewed all different types of survivors. When asked what they believed helped them "survive" a disaster, in this case a sinking ship, they all mentioned having formulated a plan in their mind prior to getting on the boat. The gentleman said, "as soon as I waked on the boat, I determined where the life vests were and which direction I would swim if the boat were to ever go down." 

Two critical components: 1) Identifying the life safety equipment 2) Having an action plan to implement.

I believe the same to be true in any environment. Creating an accurate map as well as developing and instituting an action plan with all member's of the staff is crucial. Not only will it help people feel more comfortable about work but, in the event you do have an issue, it will help reduce: fear, panic, confusion etc..
Make the information readily available, meet with a local fire station, have them walk your property, meet with neighboring properties. Do all you can and then, post the information in a conspicuous place for all to see. As Napoleon once said, " To have peace, prepare for war" 

If you need help with anything please dont hesitate to email. Have a great day.

-N


  

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