Bronze Star

In light of recent events it got me thinking... in several different industries that I have worked in, including being active duty military, we had emergency procedures in place. These were usually clear cut guildlines that were not only written down, studied, tested but also rehearsed. Do any of you have or plan to have a clear cut plan of action in an emergency? How many people have employees that would know when to leave and seek more stable shelter... and would actually KNOW WHERE that shelter is? Have you ever even practiced an unrehearsed fire drill? What about your exits, are they all clearly lit and unblocked? Do you have emergency lighting, sprinklers and even evacuation drawings? I have heard so many reports of employees who were told to just sit tight and wait for rescue. In a true life or death situation, what would your employees do? Anything? I'd love to hear even just general comments such as what should be done, even if you're not doing it yet. And how last week's events may influence how you handle emergencies with your employees.

tangirl

Wow! It really does take a major event to make you think about these things. I guess this should be the next thing to add to the employee manual.

BooBop

this is one i must work on laurie, thanks

Chippp

I would call 911 then wait to die!If something big happenes it all over anyway.And when they drop anthrax its all over.

jcole

One thing that you should also think about is fire extenguishers. Most people do not understand how to properly use them to put out a fire, and even more people do not have the correct type of extenguishers at thier place of business.Do tanning bed manufactures have a recommended extenguisher type for thier beds? We have Type C extenguishers near the computers and ABC in the hallways. Employees should understand how to operate nearby extenguishers, and owners should look for training on how to put out fires with one (so they can brief employees).

Phiper

While were on the subject of fire extinguishers, here you go.... Everything you ever wanted to know about fire extinguishers, but were afraid to ask. http://www.hanford.gov/fire/safety/extingrs.htm If you in a strip mall, some landlords will usually have a fire protection company inspect the emergency lighting, exit lighting, fire extinguishers, smoke and or heat detectors, and the fire sprinkler system on a yearly basis. If not, then you are responsible. Estimated yearly cost... about $125 plus parts (light bulbs, batteries, extinguisher recharge).A training session on fire extinguishers will run you about $100. This will accommendate 5 to 10 people.The training can be held at your business if you have an area outside suitable to setup for a burn. I have not heard of any bed manufacturers recommending what type of extinguisher to use, but a "good" ABC type would work just fine. What I mean by "good" is, don't go to K Mart to purchase your extinguishers. Those extinguishers use plastic parts and are NOT rechargeable. Even if they say they are rechargeable, fire extinguisher companies either will not recharge them or will not guarantee them from not leaking out the pressurized nitrogen. Do purchase a good 5 or 10 pound commerical extinguisher from a fire extinguisher company. Replacement parts are readily available, and some companies can even recharge them at your site. Some top brands are: Kiddy, Ansul, Badger, and Amerex. Check the yellow pages under fire extinguishers.How many to have? Thats up to you. I have two 5 pound ABC, one at the front and the other at the back of the salon. If you have ever discharged an ABC extinguisher, you know about the "mess" you then get to clean up. An alternative is to purchase a carbon dioxide or halon extinguisher. These are called "clean agent" because they use a gas to displace the oxygen, therefore putting out the fire. They cost more, but no powder residue to clean up. This would be good for the front counter area, computers, and food or drink processing.--------------------Viper Jon@phiper.fws1.com[ September 20, 2001: Message edited by: Phiper ]