Owners & Managers
Expecting the Unexpected:
How to get ready
Being Prepared
Thorough preparations will help to ensure the readiness and resilience of your business or building in the event of widespread disruption in the City. This website contains information that will help you prepare for the unexpected. Find out how to:
- Take the Get Ready Sydney test for Business and Building Owners and Managers
- Prepare an Emergency Management Plan
- Evacuate a building
Emergency Management Plan
Whether your business is small or large, you should have an emergency management plan in place. An emergency management plan is a complex document, and may take several months to prepare, depending on the size of your business. Specialist organizations can help you with this process. You may also need legal advice to ensure your plan complies with the relevant standards and legislation. Click here to see how to develop an emergency management plan.
The three most important elements of an emergency management plan are:
- Effective and Timely Communications
- Understanding the four key emergency service responses
- Personal emergency plans for staff and occupants.
Effective and Timely Communications
In an emergency, the more information you get, the better. Think about:
- Your access to email, internet, SMS, mobiles, TV, radio.
- Registering with SydneyAlert
- Putting in place internal communications plans. This task should be carried out by your crisis management team.
Understanding the four key emergency service responses
In an emergency, one of four responses may be issued. They are:
These responses will be issued to businesses and buildings in the CBD area through Sydney ALERT. If you are located outside the CBD area, you may also receive these directions from authorised personnel, or through the media. Make sure your staff and tenants are familiar with these responses and what they mean.
Personal Emergency Plans for Staff and Occupants
In an emergency, your staff and tenants will be concerned about their family and friends. Encourage them to develop a personal emergency plan that covers themselves and their families. The less they’re worrying about their loves ones, the easier it will be for you to maintain control.
Voluntary “assistance needed” register
Some of your less mobile staff and tenants may have difficulties evacuating in an emergency. Invite your staff and tenants to register with management if they will need help in an emergency. The register should be voluntary and kept confidential at all times, in accordance with privacy laws. The list should be locked away in a place where emergency services staff can access it quickly. Let the emergency services know where to find the list.