Natural Disaster Emergency Policy

Purpose and Scope

This policy establishes procedures and responsibilities for responding to natural disasters to ensure the safety of all personnel, protect organizational assets, and maintain business continuity. This policy applies to all employees, contractors, and visitors at our facilities.

Types of Natural Disasters Covered

This policy addresses the following natural disasters:

Earthquakes
Floods
Hurricanes/Typhoons/Cyclones
Tornadoes
Wildfires
Severe storms (including thunderstorms, hail, and blizzards)
Tsunamis (for coastal locations)

Emergency Response Team

Team Structure

Emergency Coordinator: Overall responsibility for emergency response
Site Managers: Coordinate response at specific locations
Floor Wardens: Assist with evacuation and accountability
First Aid Officers: Provide medical assistance
Communications Officer: Manage internal and external communications

Responsibilities

All team members must be trained in their specific roles and participate in regular drills.

General Emergency Procedures

Before a Natural Disaster

Risk Assessment
- Identify potential natural disaster risks for each location
- Maintain current emergency contact lists
- Ensure emergency supplies are stocked and accessible
Preparation
- Conduct regular emergency drills (minimum quarterly)
- Maintain emergency supply kits including:
  - First aid supplies
  - Flashlights and batteries
  - Portable radios
  - Water (1 gallon per person per day for 3 days)
  - Non-perishable food
  - Emergency blankets
  - Basic tools
Communication Systems
- Establish multiple communication channels
- Maintain emergency notification system
- Test communication systems monthly

During a Natural Disaster

Immediate Actions
- Activate emergency alert system
- Follow specific procedures for the type of disaster
- Account for all personnel
- Contact emergency services if needed
Evacuation Procedures
- Use designated evacuation routes
- Assist those requiring help
- Move to designated assembly points
- Do not return until "all clear" is given
Shelter-in-Place Procedures
- Move to designated safe areas
- Stay away from windows and exterior walls
- Monitor emergency communications
- Remain in place until authorities indicate it's safe

After a Natural Disaster

Safety Assessment
- Do not enter damaged buildings
- Check for injuries and provide first aid
- Report hazards to authorities
- Document damage with photos
Recovery Operations
- Activate business continuity plan
- Contact insurance providers
- Coordinate cleanup and repairs
- Provide employee assistance and support

Specific Disaster Procedures

Earthquakes

During: Drop, Cover, and Hold On
After: Evacuate if building is damaged, watch for aftershocks

Floods

Before: Monitor weather alerts, move to higher ground
During: Never walk or drive through flood waters
After: Avoid contact with flood water, check for structural damage

Hurricanes/Cyclones

Before: Secure outdoor items, board windows if necessary
During: Stay indoors, away from windows
After: Watch for flooding, avoid downed power lines

Tornadoes

Warning: Move to lowest floor, interior room
During: Protect head and neck, stay low
After: Exit carefully, watch for debris

Wildfires

Threat: Prepare for evacuation, close all windows/vents
Evacuation: Follow designated routes, don't delay
After: Wait for official all-clear before returning

Training and Drills

Required Training

All employees: Annual natural disaster awareness training
Emergency team: Quarterly specialized training
New employees: Orientation within first week

Drill Schedule

Evacuation drills: Quarterly
Shelter-in-place drills: Semi-annually
Full-scale emergency exercise: Annually

Emergency Supplies and Equipment

Minimum Requirements

Emergency kits at all locations
Battery-powered or hand-crank radios
NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert
Complete first aid kits
Fire extinguishers (inspected monthly)
Emergency lighting systems

Maintenance

Monthly inspections of all emergency equipment
Semi-annual replacement of perishable supplies
Annual review of supply requirements

Communication Protocols

Internal Communications

Primary: Emergency notification system (text/email)
Secondary: Internal phone system
Backup: Two-way radios

External Communications

Designate single spokesperson for media
Coordinate with local emergency management
Notify key stakeholders as appropriate

Business Continuity

Critical Functions

Identify and prioritize critical business functions
Establish alternate work locations
Implement data backup and recovery procedures
Maintain vendor and supplier emergency contacts

Recovery Priorities

Ensure employee safety and welfare
Secure facilities and assets
Resume critical operations
Restore normal operations

Policy Review and Updates

This policy will be reviewed annually and updated as needed based on:

Lessons learned from actual events
Changes in best practices
Regulatory requirements
Organizational changes

Important Contacts

Emergency Services

Emergency: 911 (or local emergency number)
Non-emergency police: [Local number]
Non-emergency fire: [Local number]

Internal Contacts

Emergency Coordinator: [Name, phone, email]
HR Emergency Line: [Number]
Facilities Emergency: [Number]

External Resources

Red Cross: 1-800-RED-CROSS
FEMA: 1-800-621-3362
Local Emergency Management: [Number]

Appendices

Appendix A: Evacuation Maps

[Location-specific evacuation routes and assembly points]

Appendix B: Emergency Supply Checklist

[Detailed list of required supplies and quantities]

Appendix C: Employee Emergency Contact Form

[Template for collecting emergency contact information]

This policy is effective immediately and supersedes all previous versions. All employees must acknowledge receipt and understanding of this policy.

Last Updated: July 2025