This special edition of the Bulletin is provided jointly by the Library of Congress Emergency Management Team and the Office of Compliance as a brief guide and checklist for a range of possible situations. We have not attempted to cover all possible scenarios in depth, but recommend these steps as a minimum in preparation. For more detailed information, we have provided links to additional resources and encourage you to consult them.

How Should Employees Prepare for an Emergency?

• Know your office’s evacuation plan: Know your evacuation route, be aware of the nearest exits, alternate exits in case your primary route is blocked, and where your office will gather in an evacuation.
• Evacuation or shelter-in-place: Be prepared for the two possibilities during an emergency at the office – evacuation or shelter-in-place – and know what to do in either situation.
• Remember escape hoods: Ensure you know the location of your emergency escape hood, as well as locations where extra hoods are stored. Know how and when to use them.
• Have contact information: Be sure to have contact information for co-workers and supervisors, and understand your office’s continuity of operations plans. Store this information off-site and/or keep it easily portable (such as in a PDA).
• Think of loved ones: Have an off-site evacuation location to go to if you are unable to return home, and let family know how to reach you there.
• Consider your personal needs: For shelter-in-place events, prepare your own stock of food and water (a three day supply). Plan for any special needs, especially if you have dietary restrictions (such as diabetes).
• Create a personal “go kit” for evacuation: Prepare a stock of water and non-perishable food, a pair of comfortable shoes, and any other special personal items you may need if forced to leave the office. Keep these items limited: for security reasons, it is not recommended that you carry large bags during an evacuation.