Emergency preparedness goes beyond installing fire extinguishers and marking emergency exits. Training all staff to properly handle emergencies that could take place at your business is a critical step to protect the facility, employees and public.

  First, all locations, including the funeral home, crematory and maintenance buildings, must have fire extinguishers mounted in plain view, or labeled if not in plain view. The fire code sets standards dictating how far apart the extinguishers may be placed. Depending on the equipment or product in the area, the standards may dictate they are placed closer together than in other areas with less risk.

  Second, employees must be ready to use the extinguishers should an emergency occur. This means training to ensure all employees know the location of all the fire extinguishers, as well as how to use them. Further, employees should specifically know what to aim the discharge at and when to call the fire department. Training employees to make safe judgment calls can save lives.

  Third, the extinguishers should be inspected monthly by a staff person, then annually by an outside service. And employee training should be reviewed at least once a year with documentation.

  Another important measure to promote safety during an emergency is installing emergency lights throughout the building. When power goes out, people need an illuminated path to an exit. If they cannot see, the consequences could be drastic – particularly for members of the public who are not familiar with the building. Importantly, these lights also reduce panic and trip-and-fall injuries.

  Similarly, illuminated exit signs should be installed at all exits. Never block these exits or lock them to restrict egress to the outside of the building. Of course, a procedure should be created with accountability to ensure the bulbs are checked on a routine basis. A burnt-out bulb makes the sign completely ineffective when the power goes out.

  Depending on your location, other emergency training for specific natural disasters is critical. For example, in some areas of the country tornadoes or earthquakes are more common. In these areas, staff should be specifically trained to handle these emergencies. With tornadoes, there may be some advance warning notice. With or without notice, staff should know a designated room to go to, as well as how to advise any members of the public who are present and where to take them. With earthquakes, staff should know what areas of the building to check afterward.

  In other areas, hurricanes are the more likely weather emergency. Hurricanes come with more notice and time for preparation. If a checklist is created and employees are familiar with the emergency procedure, the area can be secured. Checklists should include what should be done ahead of time to secure the location, as well as outline how to continue operating before, during and after the storm.

  Sadly, workplace violence is another emergency employees must now be prepared to handle. Whether the violence is started by an employee or a member of the public, employees should know how to protect themselves and others in the area by first calling 911.

  Of course, any time damage happens to the firm or someone is injured, it is critical to document the incident. Methods of documentation include photos, video and written forms. These items are critical when submitting a claim to the insurance company or defending against litigation.

  Training staff to handle these specific incidents helps protect the firm, staff and public. But without proper insurance coverage, a firm is still at grave risk. Every few years, insusrance policies should be reviewed with the insurance agent to verify there is sufficient coverage for things that could affect your business. Deductibles to cover these incidents should also be reviewed.