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Emergency Planning10 min read

Creating an Effective Emergency Action Plan: A Step-by-Step Guide

November 1, 2025
Emergency Planning Team

OSHA Emergency Action Plan Requirements

Under OSHA regulation 29 CFR 1910.38, employers with more than 10 employees must have a written Emergency Action Plan (EAP). Even if not required, having an EAP protects your workers and business.

Minimum Required Elements

Your EAP must include:

1. Emergency Escape Procedures and Routes

Include:

  • Floor plans showing evacuation routes
  • Primary and secondary exit paths
  • Assembly areas outside the building
  • Procedures for employees who must remain to shut down critical operations
  • Accounting for all employees after evacuation

    • Best Practices:

  • Mark routes with photoluminescent tape for visibility during power outages
  • Post floor plans at key locations throughout the facility
  • Consider employees with disabilities who may need assistance

    • 2. Procedures for Employees Who Remain to Operate Critical Equipment

    Some employees may need to stay behind briefly to:

  • Shut down hazardous processes
  • Secure critical equipment
  • Provide essential services

    • Define:

  • Who is authorized to remain
  • What operations require shutdown
  • Maximum time allowed before evacuation
  • Communication with evacuation coordinators

    • 3. Procedures to Account for All Employees

    Establish:

  • Designated assembly areas
  • Head count or roster procedures
  • Reporting structure to incident commander
  • Procedures for visitors and contractors
  • Search and rescue only by trained personnel

    • 4. Rescue and Medical Duties

    Determine:

  • Who will provide first aid
  • Location of first aid supplies and AEDs
  • When to call 911 vs. handle internally
  • How emergency responders will be directed to the scene

    • 5. How to Report Emergencies

    Specify:

  • Phone numbers for reporting
  • Alarm systems and what they mean
  • When to call 911 directly
  • Information to provide when reporting

    • 6. Emergency Contacts

    Include:

  • Fire department
  • Police department
  • Ambulance/EMS
  • Poison control center
  • Key company personnel
  • Utility companies for shutoffs

    • Types of Emergencies to Address

    Your EAP should cover:

    Fire

  • Activation procedures for alarm and suppression
  • Evacuation triggers
  • Fire extinguisher use (if trained employees will fight incipient fires)

    • Severe Weather

  • Tornado shelter locations (interior rooms, lowest floor)
  • Hurricane preparation and evacuation
  • Winter storm procedures

    • Medical Emergencies

  • First aid response
  • AED locations and trained users
  • Procedures for serious injuries

    • Hazardous Material Release

  • Spill containment procedures
  • Evacuation vs. shelter-in-place decisions
  • PPE requirements
  • Notification requirements

    • Active Threat/Violent Intruder

  • Run-Hide-Fight or similar protocol
  • Communication methods
  • Coordination with law enforcement

    • Utility Failures

  • Backup power procedures
  • Water supply interruption
  • Gas leak response

    • Training Requirements

    Train employees on:

  • Evacuation routes and assembly areas
  • Alarm sounds and their meanings
  • Their specific roles in an emergency
  • Location of emergency equipment
  • How to report emergencies

    • Training frequency:

  • When EAP is first developed
  • When new employees are hired
  • When employee duties change
  • When the plan is updated
  • When exercises reveal deficiencies

    • Conducting Effective Drills

    Drills turn plans into action. Conduct:

  • Fire drills: - Annually at minimum (more often for high-risk occupancies)
  • Tornado drills: - Annually in tornado-prone regions
  • Tabletop exercises: - Discuss scenarios without physical movement
  • Full-scale exercises: - Involve outside agencies

    • After each drill:

  • Document participation and time
  • Identify problems and areas for improvement
  • Update the EAP as needed
  • Share lessons learned

    • Alarm Systems

    Requirements:

  • Distinctive signal for each type of emergency (if multiple alarms)
  • Audible throughout the workplace
  • Supplemental visual alarms for high-noise areas
  • Backup power for alarm systems

    • Implementing Your EAP

  • **Assign responsibilities** - Identify who does what
  • **Write the plan** - Document all procedures
  • **Obtain resources** - First aid kits, AEDs, communication systems
  • **Train employees** - Ensure everyone knows their role
  • **Conduct drills** - Practice the plan
  • **Review and revise** - Update after drills, incidents, or changes

    • Common Deficiencies

    Frequently identified issues:

  • Assembly areas too close to building
  • No procedure for visitors or contractors
  • Employees don't know evacuation routes
  • Blocked or locked emergency exits
  • Outdated contact information
  • No procedure for employees with disabilities
  • Haven't conducted drills in years

    • Critical Dynamics helps organizations develop comprehensive Emergency Action Plans tailored to their specific risks and operations. Contact us to strengthen your emergency preparedness.

    Need Help With Your Safety Program?

    Our team of certified safety professionals is ready to help you implement the strategies discussed in this article.

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