6.4 Implementing Action

Staff Training.

Once the emergency preparedness plan has been completed, the next step is staff training. Share the plan with the staff and talk through the situation. Review the plan focusing on information the staff should be aware of, such as where to locate the shut-off valve in the building.

Test the plan by running a training exercise.

The training exercise is a mock or pretend disaster, allowing staff to assume roles and responsibilities that they would assume in an actual emergency situation.

Evaluate the Drill. Debrief.

Debrief is a process of carefully examining the events that unfolded during the training exercise and asking each other if we think the correct decision was made at the moment, as well as if there is room for improvement. This review of the training exercise should happen as soon as possible after the training exercise has taken place. A quiet area should be used to allow thoughtful reflection without interruptions from daily activities.

Make Improvements to the plan.

If the debrief provides information that would improve the chances of the plan meeting the objectives of the plan, then update the plan.