When I'm not flying around the nation as a motivational speaker and consultant I spend some of my "free time" serving as a member of Civil Air Patrol (CAP). In case you didn't know Civil Air Patrol is the civilian auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force and CAP supports the Air Force in several key areas including emergency services and disaster relief operations. Being in CAP has given me a greater awareness and appreciation for crisis awareness and preparedness-and has taught me lessons that have been valuable in my life and I think you'll find useful in your work environment too. 

In the over three years that I've been a member of CAP I have logged some flight hours as a non-pilot aircrew member. Before we climb into the plane the crew has a pre-flight briefing where we identify alternate landing areas if we cannot make it back to the airport, discuss what we will do if we have to land at an alternate airport or if we have to do an "off-airport" landing, and we ensure that we all know what we will do in the event of an emergency. Part of this process for me also includes what uniform clothing I choose to wear (often a fire-resistant flight suit) and what other gear I bring including a flight jacket, first aid kit, survival knife, and extra water and snacks. 

Be prepared!

We make sure that we are prepared for whatever may happen! This is true for the members of CAP and the same is true for you in your workplace! As the Boy Scouts say you need to "be prepared" for whatever may happen. In the past year we have seen the devastating impact of weather-related emergencies. Today we also have to plan for man-caused crises such as active-shooter situations, bomb threats and other threatening scenarios. 

I know, it's not fun to think of...but what would you do if a crisis occurred?

Step One

The first step is to consider what you need to plan for. Are you in a hurricane area? Flood zone? Do you have earthquakes? Are you in a tornado or severe wind area? While some weather-related storms such as a hurricane often take time to develop you don't want to wait until the last minute to develop your response! If you live in an earthquake area (like me) you know they come without a warning. 

Don't forget about what you and your community will do in the event of a power outage. Determine if you'll keep the common/amenity areas open during a power outage or close them until power is restored. Do you have signs pre-made that you can use to notify residents of closures etc? Do you have refrigerated parcel lockers? What is your plan (if needed) to keep those lockers cold, especially in the event of an extended power outage?

As much as I hate to talk about it, you should have a plan to deal with a threatening person, active shooter situation. What will you do? Where are the escape routes in your office? How will you determine that everyone is safe? 

Step Two

Once you've identified the potential hazards you'll face you need to create your plan of action. In this area I highly recommend you visit the Ready.gov website. This website, created by the Department of Homeland Security, has valuable resources that you can use to create your crisis plan. The URL is: https://www.ready.gov/business

FEMA has created a template that you can use to create your crisis plan. It can be found by clicking here or by visiting https://www.fema.gov/media-library-data/1388775706419-f977cdebbefcd545dfc7808c3e9385fc/Business_EmergencyResponsePlans_10pg_2014.pdf. 

A part of your plan should also include who is designated to speak to the media on behalf of your company/community. When a situation occurs at your community (e.g. crime) you may have media reporting on the story, asking questions etc. It's important to know who is authorized to speak to the media and what should and should not be said. 

Step Three

Now is the time to implement your plan!

• Brief your team on the plan so that everyone knows what to expect and do in an emergency. 
• Use the resources (videos/slides/documents) on the Ready.gov/business to educate your team if needed. 
• Purchase supplies such as first aid kits, water, signage, blankets, gloves, etc. Check the supplies periodically-a good rule is during the time change in Spring and Fall. 
• Get trained in CPR, first aid etc. 
• Refresh your team consistently, especially when you have new team members, so that everyone is educated and aware. 

Hopefully you'll never have to use any of your plans, but if you do need them, you'll be ready and prepared!