Developing an Evacuation Plan for Your Business
Zack Klein • May 18, 2022
Guarantee Restoration is in the business of helping you get back on your feet following unforeseen disasters, but in an ideal world, we would be able to help you prevent these disasters altogether. While we may not be able to stop that tropical storm or fire from ravaging your business, we can help you prepare. From content documentation to 3D imaging, there is a lot that we can do to help you and your business weather a storm, but perhaps the most important step you can take is implementing an evacuation plan to ensure every member of your team can reach safety.
Steps in Creating an Evacuation Plan
A successful evacuation plan will follow a pretty straightforward formula. To ensure that all your bases are covered, the plan should include all of the following:
- Determine All Situations in Which an Evacuation Would be Necessary - By outlining this information, you will remove all doubt for employees of when the evacuation protocol should be followed.
- Assign Roles and Responsibilities - Who will initiate the evacuation process? Who will assist customers out of the facility? At the time of disaster, confusion quickly leads to missed steps and potentially deadly outcomes. Make sure everyone has a clear understanding of their responsibilities in an emergency.
- Outline Evacuation Routes - Establish multiple evacuation routes for your business, both primary and secondary. Ensure that these routes are clearly marked, lit, and free of any obstacles. Make all employees aware of the plan and provide all relevant information such as maps and emergency phone numbers.
- Establish Procedures for Those with Disabilities - Your employees or customers may include individuals with disabilities. Your evacuation plans should take these individuals into account by ensuring that routes are handicap accessible, signs are clear and legible, and procedures have been established for those who may need assistance.
- Have a Post-Evacuation Plan - What should employees do and where should they go following an evacuation? In order to account for everyone’s safety and quickly identify anyone who may still need assistance exiting the building, a process to account for everyone post-evacuation should also be in place.
Preparing Your Business for Disaster
Disasters may come out of nowhere, but that doesn’t mean we can’t prepare for them. The experts at Guarantee Restoration are well-versed in unforeseen events and how to help businesses overcome them quickly. Safeguard your business and your livelihood by contacting us to learn more about pre-loss planning.
Learn how Guarantee Restoration Services provides expert reconstruction services in Mobile, AL after water, fire, storm, and property damage. (
Behind every successful restoration project is a team of dedicated professionals committed to helping customers recover after disaster strikes. This month, we're introducing Jerome Etienne , a technician at our Baton Rouge office whose hard work and honesty make him a valued member of the Guarantee Restoration Services team. From Forklift Driver to Restoration Technician Jerome is originally from Lafayette, Louisiana , and joined Guarantee Restoration Services in September 2024 . Before beginning his career in restoration, he worked as a forklift driver. Since joining GRS, Jerome has embraced the hands-on nature of restoration work and takes pride in helping prepare properties for the rebuilding process. Finding Satisfaction in Demolition Work. When asked what he enjoys most about working at GRS, Jerome didn't hesitate. He enjoys working on demolition projects, where every job presents a new challenge and plays an important role in restoring a property after damage. Removing damaged materials safely and efficiently helps lay the foundation for the next phase of the restoration process, making demolition one of the most critical steps in recovery. Living the Core Value of Honesty Of GRS's five core values, Honesty is the one that resonates most with Jerome. "I believe people appreciate knowing the truth, especially after their property has been damaged. Being honest, dependable, and transparent helps build trust and shows our customers they can count on us from start to finish." Jerome believes honest communication helps reassure customers during stressful situations while building lasting trust throughout the restoration process. Advice for New Team Members Jerome's advice for anyone starting a career in restoration is straightforward. "Follow what the Lead Tech says. You'll learn everything you need to know." By staying willing to learn and trusting experienced team members, new technicians can quickly build the skills and confidence needed to succeed in the field. Outside of Work When he's off the clock, Jerome enjoys spending time outdoors. Whether he's fishing or visiting the gun range, he enjoys activities that allow him to unwind after the work week. A Childhood Dream As a kid, Jerome dreamed of owning a food truck. While his career path eventually led him to restoration, that entrepreneurial spirit and strong work ethic continue to shine through in everything he does. Thank You, Jerome! We're proud to have Jerome as part of the Guarantee Restoration Services family. His dedication, honesty, and willingness to tackle every challenge help make a difference for both our customers and our team every day. Interested in Joining the GRS Team? At Guarantee Restoration Services, we're always looking for hardworking individuals who share our commitment to excellence, honesty, efficiency, and partnership. If you're interested in building a rewarding career with a team that makes a difference every day, we'd love to hear from you. Visit our Careers page to learn more about current opportunities and become part of the GRS family.
Learn the difference between mitigation and reconstruction, and how GRS restores properties after water, fire, storm, and mold damage.
