In order to protect the health, safety and well-being of employees and retail business owners and store managers should regularly prepare, review, and revise their emergency plans and evacuation procedures.
Each retail store location should maintain emergency supplies and encourage staff to keep a portable emergency supply kit with essential medications and other personal items.
Here is a basic list of recommended emergency supplies:
- Water: one gallon of water per person, per day
- Food: at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food and can opener
- Paper cups, plates and plastic utensils
- Flashlight and extra batteries
- Basic tool kit
- First aid kit
- Whistle
- Dust masks
- Moist towelettes
- Blankets
- Garbage bags, plastic sheeting and duct tape
Be sure to keep copies of important records and other priority documents in a waterproof, fireproof portable container. Store a second set of records at an off-site location. This includes:
- Building plans
- Insurance policies
- Employee contact information
- Bank records
- Supplier contact lists
- Computer backups
- Emergency and law enforcement contact information
