Emergency Preparedness Overview

Emergency Preparedness Overview

Purpose

 To ensure the safety and security of all employees, visitors, and assets within the office building during emergencies.

Scope

 This policy applies to all employees, contractors, and visitors within GW CPA LLP Prince Frederick Office. This is an overview, please refer to the detailed policy for additional Information.

Emergency Types Covered • Fire • Medical Emergencies • Natural Disasters (e.g., earthquakes, floods, tornadoes) • Hazardous Material Incidents • Power Outages • Workplace Violence or Active Shooter Situations

Responsibilities We are all responsible for safety at GWCPA. Most important thing to know – Our back door is the fastest way out of the building.

Management Responsibilities  Ensure all employees are trained on emergency procedures.  Conduct regular emergency drills.  Maintain and inspect emergency equipment and supplies.  Ensure clear communication channels during an emergency.  Lead evacuation or lockdown procedures.  Provide first aid and emergency assistance.  Coordinate with external emergency services.

Employee Responsibilities  Familiarize themselves with emergency procedures.  Participate in emergency drills.  Follow instructions during an emergency.  Report potential hazards or suspicious activities.

Emergency Procedures

1. Fire  Activate the nearest fire alarm – nearest alarm to GWCPA office is located on the wall adjacent of the elevators  Evacuate the building using the nearest exit; do not use elevators. Use the staircase located at the back of GWCPA offices near lockers.  Gather at the designated assembly point. GWCPA assembly point is across the parking lot from the stairs on the sidewalk.  Management assists in ensuring all individuals have evacuated.

2. Medical Emergencies  Call 911 and provide necessary information.  Provide first aid if trained to do so.  Management coordinates with medical personnel upon arrival.

3. Natural Disasters  Earthquake -Evacuate the building using staircase to designated assembly point.  Tornado warning – Evacuate the building using staircase to the parking garage (far back wall).  Flood – Remain in the GWCPA office until flood waters have receded.

4. Hazardous Material Incidents  Evacuate the immediate area and assemble at the designated assembly point.  Report the incident to management.  Management assesses the situation and coordinates with external emergency services.

5. Power Outages  Remain calm and stay where you are.  Follow instructions from management.  Management ensures essential systems are supported by backup power, if available.

6. Workplace Violence or Active Shooter  Alert: If you hear gunshots or see an active shooter, immediately alert others in the vicinity. Call 911 as soon as it is safe to do so, providing details about the shooter’s location, physical description, and type of weapon.  Run: If there is a safe path, evacuate the building. Leave belongings behind, keep your hands visible, and follow police instructions.  Hide: If evacuation is not possible, find a place to hide where the shooter is less likely to find you. Lock and barricade doors, turn off lights, silence your phone, and remain quiet.  Fight: As a last resort, and only if your life is in imminent danger, attempt to disrupt or incapacitate the shooter. Act aggressively, use improvised weapons, and commit to your actions.

Communication  Utilize public address systems, emails, or text alerts to communicate during an emergency.  Management is responsible for disseminating accurate and timely information

Training and Drills  Emergency preparedness training for all employees is conducted annually.  Emergency procedures are reviewed and updated annually.

Emergency Equipment and Supplies

FIRST AID KITS ARE IN THE SUPPLY CLOSET IN THE MAIL ROOM.

FIRE EXTINGUISHERS ARE LOCATED

BY EACH EXIT DOOR WITHIN OUR SUITE.

Post-Emergency Procedures  Conduct a headcount at the designated assembly point.  Provide first aid or call for medical assistance if needed.  Document the incident and review the response for continuous improvement.

Review and Update  Review this policy annually or after any significant incident.  Update procedures based on lessons learned and changes in regulations or building layout.