At Work

Updated on March 27, 2025

At Work

Emergencies can happen anytime, anywhere. Knowing the hazards, getting prepared and understanding what to do during an emergency are important - no matter where you are. 

Get prepared

Being prepared for an emergency can reduce the impact it has on you, your workplace and your colleagues. Whether it’s creating a plan, understanding how to reduce hazards, or preparing by building a stay-at-work emergency kit and grab-and-go bag, we’ve got tips and resources for you to prepare. Learn more: Get Prepared | RDN.

Get familiar  

If you don't know the following in work, now is the time to ask: 

  • Where are the closest emergency exits to where I sit, eat and meet regularly in work?  
  • Who are the trained first aid responders on-site? 
  • Where are the fire extinguishers and do I know what I can and can't use them on? 
  • What is the evacuation process in my building e.g. is there an alarm, do designated colleagues guide me? 
  • Is there a dedicated muster station and an alternative station? 
  • What's the process when I am off-site? 
    • Do I have to check-in regularly? If so, how and with whom. 
    • Is there Personal Protective Equipment I need to take with me? 

Get a kit together

Do you have a grab-and-go bag with you at work? If not, learn what could be in your bag and think about putting one under your desk or in your car. Your kit should contain:  

  • Food and water: At least 4 L of bottled water and ready-to-eat food 
  • Whistle, hard hat, flashlight
  • Seasonal change of clothes, sturdy shoes, work gloves 
  • Cell phone charger or solar-powered battery charger
  • AM/FM radio (windup or battery operated)
  • Out-of-area contact card 
  • Emergency cash (small bills) 
  • Basic toiletries (tissues, soap, toothpaste, toothbrush, deodorant)
  • Medications

Learn more: Get Prepared | RDN and During an Emergency | RDN  

Tips for small businesses 

Small businesses are integral to British Columbia’s goods and services supply chain. In 2015, there were approximately 388,500 small businesses operating across the province, representing 98 per cent of all businesses in B.C. If you are a small business owner, you have likely invested a significant amount of time, energy and money in your operation. Depending on its size, you may have employees that rely on it for income and stability

Know the risks

Hazards vary depending on where your business is located. Understanding the risks for your region will ensure your disaster planning is effective. The top 10 risks in B.C.

  • Earthquakes
  • Tsunamis
  • Floods
  • Landslides
  • Avalanches
  • Severe Weather
  • Power Outages
  • Hazardous Material Spills
  • Wildfires
  • Disease Outbreaks 

Check out Know the Hazards | RDN.

Learn more about the above from PreparedBC: Guide for Small Businesses.

Make a plan

Thinking ahead means you will be able to respond quickly and effectively during an emergency. The following tips and questions will help you get started. For more detail, fill out the template PreparedBC: Emergency Plan for Small Businesses.

  • What are your business’s core needs? Which procedures, systems, materials and equipment are absolutely necessary for ongoing operation?
  • Which ones can tolerate being disrupted? Once you have prioritized your needs, plan for how you will re-open or continue operating
  • What will you do if your building, plant or store is not accessible? Can you run your business from another location? Identify your space and equipment needs 
  • Can you work around certain functions by using manual processes?
  • What suppliers, shippers, resources and other businesses do you rely on or interact with regularly? Discuss alternate arrangements with them or consider alternate sources and back-ups
  • Identify how back-up equipment will be utilized, such as a generator if the power goes out.
  • Plan for payroll continuity (include yourself!)

Go to PreparedBC: Guide for Small Businesses to learn more about creating key contact lists, preparing your employees, knowing how you'll get and share information.  

Prepare your business

Go to PreparedBC: Guide for Small Businesses to learn about: 

  • Stocking emergency supplies 
  • Protecting critical paperwork
  • Knowling how to turn off utilities
  • Sheltering-in-place

Practice your plan

Share the elements of your Business Emergency Plan with your employees and co-workers. Better yet, involve them in the planning process! Provide training on what each person’s role and responsibility will be in an emergency. Once training is complete, validate your plans by testing them. Run exercises or drills and meet together as a group afterwards to talk about what worked and what didn’t (perhaps during Emergency Preparedness Week or for the Great British Columbia ShakeOut). Refine your plan as necessary. 

Tip: A plan is a living document and should be reviewed and tested regularly, especially as new employees join your business or new supply arrangements are made.

Learn more about the above from PreparedBC: Guide for Small Businesses.

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