Building Owners Group Releases Preparedness Top Ten List
September is National Preparedness Month and the Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) International has released a list of 10 proactive steps property professionals can take to ensure their tenants, staff and buildings are safe in an emergency or natural disaster. With hurricane season in full swing and experts predicting an increase in cases of the H1N1 virus this fall, now is the time to revisit preparedness plans. To help property professionals, BOMA has compiled a preparedness best practices list.
"Preparedness is essential for property professionals as they strive to protect tenants, buildings and business operations against a variety of threats," said BOMA International Chair and Chief Elected Officer James A. Peck, RPA, FMA, senior director of asset services, CB Richard Ellis. "A well thought out, regularly reviewed and practiced emergency preparedness plan is the best defense we have against any emergencies."
An effective preparedness plan includes an emergency response plan, a communications strategy and a blueprint for business continuity. Property professionals start planning now with the following tips:
- Review your plan. Regularly go over your building's emergency preparedness plan with your team to ensure everyone is familiar with all aspects of emergency protocol.
- Practice makes perfect. Have your preparedness team take part in tabletop exercises, in which team members walk through various emergency scenarios and propose responses to "what if" questions.
- Involve your tenants. Make certain all of your tenants are aware of the building evacuation procedures and encourage them to participate in evacuation drills.
- Communicate. Develop a multi-layered crisis communication plan that is fast and effective in reaching tenants, local authorities and agencies, and the media.
- Stay alert. Sign up for daily alerts to monitor weather conditions and cases of pandemic influenza in your area.
- Work with authorities. Review local evacuation procedures and identify the agency that will issue evacuation orders.
- Cross-train staff. Identify and provide cross-training essential personnel to provide critical services.
- Revisit HR policies. Determine how your company's leave and salary policies will apply in emergency situations, such as a pandemic flu outbreak, when a significant portion of your workforce may be unable to come to work.
- Operate remotely. Consider identifying off-site work facilities or telecommuting capabilities to ensure business continuity in the event of a disaster.
- Find the latest resources.
Visit BOMA's Web site for more information.