Toolkit
Team Processes and Procedures
All teams have workflows that they need to follow. In an emergency, you may need to outsource
help to keep a team functioning. Make sure to attach the team processes and procedures (or
provide a link to where they are stored) so any new employees know how to work on the team.
Because managers are not always present during times of crisis, clearly articulated processes
and procedures for all team members are essential in order to avoid confusion and ensure
business operations continue.
Incident Commander Workflow
The IC needs to be agile and respond to an emergency immediately with a checklist of tasks to
accomplish. Compile a list of what you want the IC to do immediately in the event of a business
interruption. Specifying which tasks you want completed immediately will help your business
stay nimble and minimize the negative effects of an interruption.
Emergency Operations Center
The Emergency Operations Center (EOC) serves as a centralized management center for
emergency operations. Here, decisions are made by the EMG based upon information provided
by the IC and other personnel. Every facility should designate an area where decision makers
can gather during an emergency.
The EOC should be located in an area of the facility not likely to be involved in an incident and
the EMG should designate an alternate EOC in case the primary location is not usable.
Each facility must determine its requirements for an EOC based upon its functions and the
number of people involved. Ideally, the EOC is a dedicated area equipped with all the tools
necessary to respond quickly and appropriately to an emergency.
EOCs must be stocked with:
- Communications equipment
- A copy of the emergency management plan and EOC procedures
- Blueprints, maps and status boards
- A list of EOC personnel and descriptions of their duties
- Technical information and data for advising responders
- Building security system information
- Information and data management capabilities
- Telephone directories
- Backup power, communications and lighting
- Emergency supplies
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