Many threats and hazards could impact businesses and employees in Kitsap County. Earthquakes are a high risk hazard in this region. But, landslides, flooding, and severe weather are more common. That’s why it’s important that business owners develop a comprehensive emergency plan. This plan should address all hazards. Employers should exercise the plan with their employees to ensure the safety of all.
Make a Plan
The Kitsap County Department of Emergency Management (KCDEM) recommends that businesses and employees use the following as a starting point to prepare for a workplace emergency:
Planning efforts should use an “all hazards approach” when possible. Create one process that remains relevant to many different threats or hazards. How a specific hazard will impact your business is hard to determine.
Steps include:
- Determine which local hazards threaten your business. Learn more.
- Conduct a Risk & Vulnerability Assessment (source: Ready.Gov)
- Conduct a Business Impact Analysis (source: Ready.Gov)
- Create a Business Continuity Plan (source: FEMA)
- Review insurance coverage on an annual basis
- Take steps to protect vital records (source: IRS)
- Develop and test emergency evacuation and shelter-in-place plans
For more, visit the Washington Department of Emergency Management’s preparedness information for businesses.
Assistance
In the event of an emergency, the State of Washington has resources to help businesses recover from a disaster. Review here.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency also has business resources for declared disaster areas. Review here.
Classes
KCDEM holds public programs on emergency preparedness. Visit our Speakers Bureau to schedule a presentation. Also, KCDEM holds regular classes on topics of interest to businesses. See our calendar for details.
KCDEM News
1/15/2022 – Tsunami advisory cancelled for Washington state
The tsunami advisory for the Washington and Oregon coasts is cancelled. No tsunami danger exists for the area. To repeat, the tsunami advisory is cancelled. Again, there is no tsunami danger for Washington state. If [...]
01/15/22 Tsunami advisory issued for the coast. Impact to inner coastal waters possible.
UPDATE: Kitsap County Emergency Management continues to monitor this tsunami advisory to the outer coast counties of Washington and is participating in hourly calls with State Emergency Management. (An advisory means "Stay away from shore.") [...]
Severe Weather Shelters Open January 7, 2022
Due to anticipated freezing weather conditions, four Kitsap County Severe Weather Shelters are open Friday, January 7. Additionally, special measures are being taken at the shelters to prevent the spread of viruses, including COVID-19.Hours of [...]
Events
Helpful Links
- Planning for Business (source: Ready.Gov)
- Ready Rating (source: American Red Cross)
- Disaster Preparedness and Recovery Quick Guides (source: US Chambers of Commerce)
- Disaster Planning for Businesses (source: Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety)
