National Preparedness Month: Is Your Workplace Ready for an Emergency
September is National Preparedness Month, a nationwide reminder that every business should be ready to protect employees and operations when disaster strikes.
Workplace emergencies can happen at any time. Fires, earthquakes, severe weather, power outages, or even medical emergencies can quickly disrupt business operations and put workers at risk. The good news is that with preparation, you can minimize hazards, reduce downtime, and keep your team safe.
Why Workplace Preparedness Matters
According to FEMA, 40% of businesses never reopen after a major disaster. For those that do, recovery is often slow and costly. In California and across the U.S., OSHA requires employers to provide safe workplaces, and that includes planning for emergencies.
Preparedness is more than just compliance. It is about protecting lives, building employee trust, and ensuring business continuity. When employees know their workplace has clear plans in place, they respond faster and more effectively in critical situations.
Partnering with PCS Safety gives businesses the tools, training, and compliance support they need to stay prepared year-round.
Common Workplace Emergencies
Every industry faces unique risks, but some of the most common emergencies include:
Natural disasters: earthquakes, floods, wildfires, and severe storms.
Fires and explosions: from faulty wiring, equipment malfunctions, or flammable materials.
Medical emergencies: sudden illness, injury, or accidents on the job.
Power outages or utility failures: which can impact critical operations.
Chemical spills or hazardous exposures: especially in manufacturing or construction.
Identifying which of these scenarios is most likely for your workplace is the first step to building a tailored plan.
Steps to Prepare Your Workplace
A strong preparedness program includes both planning and practice. Here are five key actions:
Conduct a workplace risk assessment
Identify potential hazards specific to your facility, location, and workforce.Develop and communicate an emergency action plan
Include evacuation routes, shelter-in-place procedures, and reporting protocols. OSHA provides detailed guidance for creating an Emergency Action Plan.Train employees
Conduct regular drills so workers know how to respond quickly and confidently. Offering certifications such as CPR, AED, and First Aid strengthens workplace readiness.Stock essential supplies
Keep emergency equipment such as fire extinguishers, first aid kits, flashlights, and communication tools accessible and up to date.Review and update plans annually
As operations or staffing changes, your preparedness program should evolve too.
The Role of First Aid Kits in Preparedness
One of the simplest yet most overlooked aspects of preparedness is maintaining compliant first aid kits. OSHA requires employers to have adequate first aid supplies available, and the ANSI/ISEA Z308.1 standard outlines what should be included.
During National Preparedness Month, it is the perfect time to check whether your workplace first aid kits are properly stocked, certified, and ready to use. Outdated, incomplete, or non-certified kits can slow down emergency response and put workers at risk.
Resources for Employers
Employers do not have to prepare alone. Helpful resources include:
FEMA’s Ready Campaign for planning and checklists
OSHA’s Emergency Preparedness Guidelines
Local emergency management offices that offer community hazard information
Working with a trusted safety partner can also make compliance simpler and more effective.
Take Action This September
National Preparedness Month is the ideal reminder to review your workplace safety program. A proactive approach ensures your team is protected not only during disasters but every day.
At PCS Safety, we help employers build customized safety programs that meet OSHA standards and protect their workforce.
👉 Download your free First Aid Kit Compliance Checklist today to make sure your workplace is prepared.
