Emergency Action Plan Examples for Small Business 2025
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Key Statistics You Should Know
Why Small Businesses Need Emergency Action Plans
Small businesses face unique challenges in emergency planning. Limited staff, tight budgets, and multiple hats worn by employees make preparation critical. Yet 73% of small businesses lack adequate emergency plans.
- OSHA requires written EAPs for businesses with 10+ employees
- Small businesses often cannot absorb losses from disasters
- 40% of small businesses never reopen after a disaster
- Simple plans can prevent catastrophic outcomes
- Insurance may require documented emergency procedures
- Employee confidence improves with clear emergency protocols
Example 1: Small Office EAP
This example covers a typical small office with 15-25 employees in a single-floor space.
- Single designated evacuation warden (with backup)
- Two evacuation routes clearly marked
- Assembly point in parking lot 50 feet from building
- Simple headcount procedure using employee roster
- Building security notified of emergencies
- Annual drill documented with employee signatures
Example 2: Retail Store EAP
Retail businesses must account for both employees and customers during emergencies.
- Staff trained to direct customers to exits
- Clear protocol for registers and cash security
- Designated meeting point for employees only
- Manager accounts for all staff, not customers
- Loss prevention procedures balanced with safety
- Special procedures for holiday and sale crowds
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Example 3: Restaurant/Food Service EAP
Restaurants face unique fire risks from cooking equipment and require specialized procedures.
- Kitchen fire suppression system procedures
- Gas shut-off procedures and assignments
- Evacuation routes avoiding kitchen area
- Customer evacuation through dining areas
- Grease fire response training for all kitchen staff
- Hood system monthly inspections documented
Example 4: Service Business EAP
Service businesses like salons, clinics, or repair shops have client-specific considerations.
- Procedures for clients mid-service
- Equipment shutdown for safety
- Chemical storage and handling during emergencies
- Appointment book retrieval (if time permits)
- Client notification procedures post-emergency
- Insurance documentation for client property
Building Your EAP: Step by Step
Follow these steps to create your small business Emergency Action Plan:
- 1. Identify potential emergencies (fire, weather, medical, security)
- 2. Draw your floor plan or use AI to generate one
- 3. Identify all exits and evacuation routes
- 4. Designate evacuation wardens and responsibilities
- 5. Establish assembly point and accountability procedure
- 6. Write procedures for each emergency type
- 7. Train all employees and document training
- 8. Conduct drills at least annually
- 9. Review and update plan whenever changes occur
Key Takeaways & FAQs
Does a small business need an Emergency Action Plan?
If you have more than 10 employees, OSHA requires a written Emergency Action Plan. Smaller businesses may communicate the plan orally, but a written plan is strongly recommended for liability protection and effective emergency response.
What should a small business EAP include?
At minimum: emergency reporting procedures, evacuation procedures with route assignments, procedures for employees performing critical operations, accountability procedures after evacuation, rescue and medical duties (if applicable), and contact information for questions.
How detailed does my EAP need to be?
Your EAP should be detailed enough that any employee can understand what to do in an emergency. For small businesses, this typically means 3-10 pages covering core procedures. Larger or more complex operations need more detail.
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