Are you and your work team or family ready if an emergency or weather event occurs? Does your company, workplace and/or family have an emergency evacuation plan?
Planning ahead plays an important role in enabling workers, employers and family members to know where to go, what equipment is necessary and what to do to remain safe in an emergency situation or weather event. September is National Preparedness Month, and is a time for everyone to prepare for emergencies, including natural disasters or those that happen at work. Since being launched in 2004, FEMA’s Ready Campaign has utilized September as the month to encourage Americans to prepare for emergencies.
The 2026 theme is “Americans Stand Ready” and is a great time to take small steps to make a big difference in being prepared.
- ready.gov
The “Americans Stand Ready” theme encompasses and reflects the resilience and resourcefulness of our country as a reminder that each of us can take proactive steps (prior to an emergency) that can contribute to the safety of the entire nation. The theme comprises distinct ways Americans take pride in protecting themselves, their families and their communities while working together to recover from disasters. These approaches include:
- Americans stand ready to uphold our patriotic duty: When individuals are prepared, we can bolster the work of first responders.
- Americans stand ready to protect our family, friends and community by taking a proactive approach ahead of emergencies. Make a plan now so everyone knows exactly what to do and where to go when an emergency occurs.
The key to responding effectively to an emergency is having an emergency plan so everyone knows what to do prior to a crisis.
Emergency Action Plan
An emergency action plan (EAP) is an emergency plan specific to the workplace where proper worker training results in fewer or less severe injuries or damage to a facility during an emergency. OSHA describes a workplace emergency as a situation that threatens workers, customers, or the public; disrupts or shuts down operations; or causes physical or environmental damage. These emergencies may be natural or man-made, and may include hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, floods, wildfires, winter weather, chemical spills, disease outbreaks, explosions, and other hazards.
A poorly prepared plan may lead to a disorganized evacuation or emergency response, resulting in confusion, injury, illness (due to chemical, biological and/or radiation exposure), and/ or property damage, according to OSHA.
However, many kinds of emergencies can be anticipated while planning, which can help employers and workers plan for possible volatile situations.
Any emergency plan must include emergency contact information, meeting places and medical information, as well as a fully stocked emergency kit with all essential items your team or family needs to stay safe and comfortable. Additionally, the kit should include items such as several days’ worth of water, nonperishable food, medical supplies and batteries for flashlights or radios.
Furthermore, by learning skills such as first aid and CPR, your team or family can prepare for disasters and help keep your community and family ready and resilient. For additional information on preparing for emergencies, visit osha.gov, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration website or ready.gov.
To learn about all the personal protective equipment and emergency supplies United Tool and Fastener carries, including first aid kits, water, generators and more, please contact a local UT&F showroom in Houston at 713-692-2323; in San Antonio at 210-495-8665; or in College Station at 979-731-8665.
