advance and be prepared. Who will call 911? Do
you have accessible emergency contact numbers,
not just for rescue but also for everyone for whom
you will have responsibility? How accessible is that
contact information? If people evacuate, where is
the gathering place? What is the responsibility of
staff – save themselves first or get residents out?
The protocol will be very different if it’s a natural
disaster versus and active shooter in your building.
4 Assign teams of staff/
Every event, either inside an organization or out,
should have an emergency action plan. It will
outline emergency procedures, responses, chain
of command and the communication procedures.
Think about every possibility and every detail
possible in advance. Conduct “what if ” scenarios.
4 Provide every person in charge with
Basics of a plan
4 Create the emergency structure and chain of
command including internal staff, venue staff
and emergency responders.
4 Determine in advance if you will you bring
medical aid in or people out for medical care.
4 Prepare a detailed contact list with both the
chain of command and attendee/resident/staff
emergency contact information.
volunteers to targeted
areas in advance, like
an internal volunteer
point person.
4 Determine in advance
who will contact emergency
responders.
immediate access to a simple map of the site/
venue with key exits, emergency supplies,
AED, fire alarms and telephone access.
4 Be sure all of the details above have been
communicated to people.
LeadingAge New York members take their
responsibility to residents seriously and have
demonstrated their ability to handle many very
difficult emergency situations over the years. An
active shooter is a game changer to the traditional
response protocols but with foresight, training
and practice even an unthinkable situation can
be handled proactively, improving outcomes for
residents and staff.
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