Editor’s Note: In part one of this series, we reviewed the importance of developing an emergency action plan for a natural disaster. In part two, we will review emergency planning for a civil disturbance.
By Tony Gallo
In today’s business environment, civil disturbances or civil unrest are a fact of life. According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), civil disturbance is “a civil unrest activity such as a demonstration, riot, or strike that disrupts a community and requires intervention to maintain public safety.”
Civil disturbances or unrest can cause a variety of subsequent issues such as violence and assault, disorderly conduct, vandalism. Civil disturbances are also potential risks for most businesses, but even more of a risk for high value businesses because they are usually the first targeted by looters.
Ask yourself the following questions:
The purpose of an emergency plan
The purpose of any emergency plan is to organize actions during a crisis. A well-developed workplace emergency plan and proper employee training may result in less employee and customer injuries and also less structural damage to the business. A poorly designed plan, or worse, no plan at all, could likely lead to disorganization and confusion during the emergency which may lead to injuries and higher losses.
Your plan should be constructed with the thought of every employee and customer’s safety at the forefront, and how to reduce losses to your business as your secondary objective. The following three sections should be included in your emergency plan:
It is the responsibility of the owner and management team to evaluate an emergency situation, ensure that appropriate action is taken, determine whether outside support is needed, and summon that support, if necessary.
Every store should have “emergency supplies” ready in case of an emergency. These supplies should be stored in the manager’s office or in a safe and easily accessible location in the back area of the store.
Emergency supplies to have on hand
The following items should be available in the store:
Management should ensure that they have valid phone numbers for all employees. Also, your mobile phone number and home number should be posted in case your employees need to be in contact with you in the event of an emergency.
Demonstrations and protests are often unpredictable and can turn violent without warning. Here are a few examples of conditions that may introduce an increased level of exposure to civil disturbance:
What to do if the worst actually happens
If a civil disturbance occurs:
Remember, the main purpose of any emergency plan is to protect the employees and customers in the event of a civil disturbance, as well as to protect the company’s property and cash.
Important note: If the store is to be closed due to any emergency situation, the safe should be filled with as much company assets as possible i.e., cash, cannabis, or small general merchandise before leaving. Use your safe as your “lifeboat” during an emergency. Safes are designed to withstand long periods of attacks from thieves and most will not be able to get into a safe no matter how long they attack it.
Why is it so important to have a well-developed emergency action plan?
According to studies conducted by the Gartner Group in recent years, 60 percent of businesses are under prepared for disasters and emergencies and 40 percent of companies that experience a disaster go out of business within five years. Without a well-defined emergency plan your company will likely struggle or fail to remain in business after an emergency.
Be safe and be profitable.
Tony Gallo is the Managing Partner for Sapphire Risk Advisory Group www.sapphirerisk.com with over 30 years in the Loss Prevention, Audit, Safety, and Risk/Emergency Management fields. He is a published author on cannabis security and has spoken at numerous cannabis business conferences across the country. Tony is considered one of the leading authorities on cannabis security programs.
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