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How to Create an Emergency Plan for My Business?

Last updated October 31, 2026

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The short answer

Map Your Building

Walk through your space and note where the main water shutoff valve sits. Also find the electrical panel and any floor drains. If you live in Quincy, keep those locations written down, because a fast shutoff can limit damage during a storm or pipe failure.

Sketch a simple floor plan with exits, fire extinguishers, and first aid kits. Mark where heavy equipment or inventory could topple. Update the map whenever you rearrange furniture or add machinery. Share the map with all employees so everyone knows the layout.

  • Main water shutoff valve location
  • Electrical panel and gas meter
  • Exits and emergency lighting
  • Fire extinguisher and first aid kit spots
  • High shelves or equipment that could fall
  • Floor drains and low spots

List Key Contacts

Create a one page contact sheet with your insurance company's claims number and your property manager's phone. Add a plumber and an electrician you trust. Also list local water damage pros who handle extraction and structural drying, since those steps often need specialized equipment.

Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered. Note your policy number and the date you last reviewed it. Keep a second copy of this contact sheet in your car or on your phone, so you can still reach people even if your building is inaccessible.

Write Response Steps

Draft clear actions for different emergencies. For a burst pipe, the first step is shutting off the water, then turning off electricity if it is safe. For a storm, secure loose outdoor items and move valuables to higher ground. For a fire, everyone evacuates and calls 911.

Keep the steps short and specific, like "Close the valve" or "Call the plumber." Avoid long paragraphs. Assign one person to lead each task, such as a floor warden or a safety officer. Review the steps with your employees so they feel confident acting under stress.

  • Burst pipe: shut off water, then power
  • Storm: secure outside items, move valuables up
  • Fire: evacuate, call 911, meet outside
  • Flood: turn off electricity if safe, move to high floor
  • Gas leak: leave building, call gas company from outside

Gather Emergency Supplies

Stock a waterproof kit with flashlights, batteries, a first aid kit, and a battery powered radio. Add a wrench for the shutoff valve and a pair of rubber boots. Also include a list of emergency phone numbers and a copy of your floor plan.

Store the kit near an exit or in a common area, not in a basement that could flood. Check the batteries every few months. If you have a sump pump, keep a backup battery or a manual pump nearby, because power outages often accompany water emergencies.

Practice and Update

Run a drill at least twice a year. Have employees practice shutting off the water and power, and walking to the designated meeting spot. Time the drill to see if anyone is unsure of the steps. Adjust the plan based on what you learn.

Update your plan whenever the building layout changes, new employees join, or new equipment is installed. After any real emergency, hold a short meeting to review what worked and what did not. Keep the plan simple, because a complicated plan is hard to remember under pressure.

Water damage does not wait

Water keeps spreading into floors and walls, so it is worth acting early. Calls are answered 24/7.

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Frequently asked questions

What should I do first after a water leak?

Shut off the main water valve to stop the flow, then turn off electricity if it is safe. Move any electronics or important papers to dry ground. Call your insurance company to report the damage, and contact local water damage pros for extraction and drying.

How often should I update my emergency plan?

Review it every six months, and update it whenever the building layout changes or new employees join. After any real emergency, hold a quick meeting to adjust the steps. A current plan is more reliable when you actually need it.

Can I handle water damage without professional help?

Small spills you can dry yourself, but significant water can soak into walls and flooring, leading to mold. Pros use industrial pumps, dehumidifiers, and moisture meters to dry structures properly. If you have any doubt, call a local water damage service for an inspection.

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