Facility leaders are on the front lines when emergencies strike—whether it’s a severe storm, fire, medical crisis, or power outage. Thankfully, safety has improved over the decades: OSHA reports worker deaths have dropped from 38 per day in 1970 to 15 in 2023, while injuries have fallen from 10.9 to 2.4 per 100 workers.

“Even with overall workplace safety improving, facility leaders can never be complacent. Emergencies happen quickly, and preparedness is what turns a potential disaster into a manageable incident,” says Joel Crotts, Corporate Safety Manager at The Budd Group.

As part of Safe + Sound Week 2025, The Budd Group is sharing five key actions every facility leader can take to build a culture of preparedness—and extend that mindset beyond the workplace.

Step 1: Know Your Risks and Your Roles

Begin with a risk assessment tailored to your facility’s location, industry, and function. Coastal operations may require hurricane planning, while labs and industrial spaces should prepare for chemical or electrical hazards.

Once risks are identified, clarify everyone’s role.

  • Who manages evacuations?
  • Who communicates with external parties?
  • Who checks high-risk areas like stairwells, storage closets, or boiler rooms?

“One of the biggest issues we face is assuming people ‘know’ what to do in an emergency. Clarity on roles prevents confusion and saves valuable time when seconds matter,” Crotts emphasizes.

It’s also critical to establish a reliable notification system for both working and off-hours. Make it easy for employees to report hazards or near-misses, including anonymously. Even small issues like blocked exits, damaged cords, or wet floors can become serious threats during emergencies—employees should feel confident flagging them.

Step 2: Build and Share Emergency Plans

Preparedness begins with clearly documented, easily accessible emergency procedures.

Every facility should have plans in place for fire, medical incidents, severe weather, and hazardous material exposure. Content will vary; for example, facilities that store or use chemicals should include material safety data sheets and chemical handling protocols as part of their core documentation.

But plans only work if people know where to find them and how to follow them. Post emergency procedures in common areas like break rooms, restrooms, and supply closets. Use QR codes to link to digital versions in your training platforms or shared drives. Make sure all employees—including part-time, overnight, and contract staff—receive emergency training during onboarding, with regular refreshers built into the annual calendar.

Step 3: Stock and Maintain Emergency Supplies

A well-stocked emergency kit should be accessible in every building zone, vehicle, and maintenance bay.

Essentials include:

  • First-aid kits
  • Flashlights and extra batteries
  • Bottled water and non-perishable snacks
  • PPE like gloves and masks
  • Chemical spill kits
  • Communication tools such as walkie-talkies or emergency radios

Encourage employees to prepare similar kits for home use, and host occasional “kit check” huddles to reinforce readiness across both work and personal environments.

Step 4: Train, Practice, Repeat

Training should be hands-on, consistent, and scenario-based. Don’t just teach the “what”—make sure your teams know the “how” and the “why.”

  • Hold drills for fire evacuations, shelter-in-place, and spill containment.
  • Provide regular reminders on PPE usage, proper ladder handling, lockout/tagout procedures, and safe chemical usage
  • Vary the conditions: What if a drill happens during a shift change or system outage?
  • Mix training formats: Use short videos or digital modules for policies, then reinforce with manager-led safety talks or toolbox huddles.

“Drills build confidence. The more realistic your practice, the calmer and faster your team will respond in a real emergency,” Crotts notes.

At The Budd Group, we ground our training in motivation, confidence, and reducing resistance—helping teams take ownership of safety as a shared mission.

Step 5: Lead By Example—At Work and at Home

When leaders demonstrate preparedness, employees are more likely to follow suit. Talk openly about how you’ve prepared your own home or car kits. Share your personal approach to storm prep or first-aid readiness. Leadership visibility builds trust and reinforces the value of safety.

Just as important: invite feedback. Ask your team what they’ve noticed, what could be improved, and what tools would help them respond more effectively. Create a space where safety concerns can be shared without blame. 

Preparedness in Action

At one of the school campuses we serve, an ordinary lunch shift took an unexpected turn when a microwave caught fire. Thanks to the quick thinking of two on-site managers, the situation was handled swiftly and effectively before it had the chance to escalate.

Their immediate actions included:

  • Redirecting students and staff to safety
  • Alerting the school district to the incident
  • Unplugging the microwave to stop the flames from spreading

Because of their calm, confident response, a potentially dangerous emergency was contained in moments. School leaders and district officials later praised their decisive actions and commitment to safety—an example of how preparedness and training can make all the difference.

“Emergencies rarely go as planned; your first five minutes dictate your next five hours, but preparation can ensure muscle memory so your team can act quickly and confidently,” says Crotts.

Safety Starts Now

Emergency preparedness doesn’t have to be overwhelming—but it does require commitment. Facility leaders play a crucial role in protecting people, property, and peace of mind.

Let this Safe + Sound Week be the spark to review your plans and equip your teams for whatever comes next.