Step 5: Evaluate and Modify the Plan

The committee should review the plan on a periodic basis and after practice drills to make sure it reflects the current work situation. Names and numbers as well as emergency contacts need to be kept current. Any renovations or changes in floor plans must be reviewed to see how they will impact the emergency action and evacuation plans. Periodic drills give staff a chance to practice what to do in an emergency and provide valuable information on changes that need to be made.

The committee must also evaluate how well the plan worked in the event of an actual emergency. Once recovery has begun, the committee’s review should include determining what could be done to prevent or lessen the impact should a similar situation occur in the future. Changes might include increasing security measures, restricting access to the workplace, reinforcing building structures, changing alarm or fire suppression systems, or even relocating the operation.