What is the purpose of Emergency Response Plans?

The purpose of emergency planning is to provide the basis for systematic responses to emergencies that threaten personnel safety, environmental harm, or a business’s ability to continue operations. The emergency planning process has evolved significantly and taken on more importance in the last decade as a result of emergencies and disasters having a greater impact on government and industry. At Safety Compliance Services, we advocate a comprehensive “all hazards” approach to emergency preparedness. A comprehensive emergency response plan that takes into account potential natural, technological, and man-made threats and involves key personnel in the planning process can assist an organization to systematically manage emergencies in an effective and efficient manner. The planning process is a key element that forces organizations to explore viable options that can be employed in the event of an emergency or disaster. These contingencies can ultimately help to save lives, reduce property loss, as well as lessen an organization’s potential liability.