Back to ResourcesTemplate

"Emergency Action Plan Template"

"EAP framework: emergency types, evacuation routes, alarm systems, assembly points, accountability, emergency contacts, designated roles, drill schedule."

Apr 13, 2026all

There is a fire alarm going off in your building right now.

What happens next? I do not mean what should happen. I mean what actually happens — what your people actually do in the next sixty seconds. Do they know where to go? Do they know which exit to use? Does someone account for every person? Does someone call 911? Does someone shut down the equipment that will explode if it keeps running during an evacuation?

If you do not have clear, specific, practiced answers to every one of those questions, you do not have an Emergency Action Plan. You have a wish.

Cal/OSHA requires employers to have a written Emergency Action Plan under Title 8, Section 3220. This is not optional. This is not "recommended best practice." This is a regulatory requirement, and the inspectors check for it.

This template gives you every section your EAP needs. Fill it in with the specifics of YOUR facility, YOUR people, YOUR operations. Then train on it. Then drill on it. Then update it when things change.

---

EMERGENCY ACTION PLAN

[YOUR COMPANY NAME]

**Facility Address:** _______________

**Plan Effective Date:** _______________

**Last Updated:** _______________

**EAP Coordinator:** _______________ (Name, Title, Phone)

**Plan Location(s):** _______________

---

Section 1: Purpose and Scope

This Emergency Action Plan establishes procedures for [COMPANY NAME] employees to follow during workplace emergencies at [FACILITY ADDRESS]. The plan covers:

  • Fire and smoke emergencies
  • Earthquake
  • Medical emergencies
  • Workplace violence / active threat
  • Hazardous material release
  • Severe weather (extreme heat, flooding, wildfire smoke)
  • Utility failure (power outage, gas leak, water main break)
  • Bomb threat
  • Civil disturbance / shelter-in-place

**[GUIDANCE: List every emergency type applicable to your location. If you are in a flood zone, include flooding. If you are near wildland-urban interface, include wildfire. If you handle hazardous materials, include chemical release. A plan that only covers fire is incomplete.]**

---

Section 2: Emergency Roles and Responsibilities

2A: EAP Coordinator

| Field | Entry |
|-------|-------|
| **Name** | |
| **Title** | |
| **Phone (office)** | |
| **Phone (cell)** | |
| **Email** | |
| **Backup Coordinator** | Name: _______________ Phone: _______________ |

**Responsibilities:**
- Maintain and update this EAP
- Coordinate emergency drills
- Ensure all employees are trained
- Serve as primary liaison with emergency responders
- Conduct post-emergency debriefings

2B: Floor Wardens / Area Wardens

| Area/Floor | Primary Warden | Phone | Backup Warden | Phone |
|------------|---------------|-------|---------------|-------|
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |

**Responsibilities:**
- Sweep assigned area during evacuation to confirm all personnel have exited
- Direct employees to proper exits and assembly points
- Assist mobility-impaired employees
- Report area status to EAP Coordinator at assembly point
- Carry area roster for accountability

2C: First Aid / CPR / AED Responders

| Name | Certification | Cert. Expiration | Location |
|------|--------------|-------------------|----------|
| | | | |
| | | | |
| | | | |

2D: Hazmat / Shutdown Personnel

| Name | Title | Responsibility | Equipment/Area |
|------|-------|----------------|----------------|
| | | | |
| | | | |

**[GUIDANCE: Cal/OSHA requires you to designate employees to perform critical operations during an evacuation — shutting down equipment, closing valves, securing hazardous materials. These employees may remain behind briefly during an evacuation. They must know exactly what to do, how long it should take, and when to abandon the task and evacuate. This is not "whoever is nearby." This is specifically designated, specifically trained individuals.]**

---

Section 3: Emergency Notification Procedures

3A: Alarm Systems

| Alarm Type | Signal | Meaning | Location of Activation Points |
|------------|--------|---------|-------------------------------|
| **Fire Alarm** | [Describe: continuous horn, bell, strobe pattern] | Evacuate immediately | Pull stations at: _______________ |
| **PA System** | Voice announcement | Follow specific instructions announced | Office: _______________ |
| **Shelter-in-Place** | [Describe distinct signal] | Remain indoors, secure area | Activated by: _______________ |
| **All-Clear** | [Describe signal] | Emergency resolved, safe to return | Announced by: _______________ |

3B: Notification Chain

**When an emergency is discovered:**

1. **Immediate danger to life:** Call 911 FIRST, then activate alarm, then notify EAP Coordinator
2. **Non-immediate emergency:** Notify supervisor and EAP Coordinator. EAP Coordinator determines response level.
3. **EAP Coordinator notifies:**
- Building management: _______________
- Company executive: _______________
- Insurance carrier: _______________
- Regulatory agencies (if required): _______________

3C: 911 Call Protocol

When calling 911, provide:
- **Address:** [FULL ADDRESS including suite/building number, cross streets]
- **Nature of emergency:** [What is happening]
- **Number of injured:** [If known]
- **Hazards present:** [Fire, chemicals, weapons, structural damage]
- **Your name and callback number**
- **Stay on the line until dispatcher releases you**

**[GUIDANCE: Post the 911 call protocol next to every phone. In an emergency, people forget their own address. The protocol card should include the building address pre-printed so the caller does not have to remember it.]**

---

Section 4: Evacuation Procedures

4A: Evacuation Routes

| Starting Area | Primary Exit Route | Secondary Exit Route | Notes |
|---------------|-------------------|---------------------|-------|
| | | | |
| | | | |
| | | | |
| | | | |
| | | | |

**[GUIDANCE: Attach a floor plan (Appendix A) showing all exit routes with primary and secondary paths marked. Post copies of the evacuation map at every exit, in every break room, and in every common area. The map must show: all exits, exit routes, fire extinguisher locations, first aid kit locations, AED locations, assembly points, and "you are here" markers.]**

4B: Evacuation Rules

  1. When the alarm sounds, stop work immediately
  2. Shut down equipment only if you are designated shutdown personnel AND it can be done in under ___ minutes
  3. Do not use elevators
  4. Walk — do not run
  5. Close doors behind you (do not lock them)
  6. Take your personal belongings only if they are within arm's reach — do not go back for them
  7. Assist any person who needs help (mobility impairment, injury, disorientation)
  8. Follow the evacuation route to your designated assembly point
  9. Report to your area warden for accountability check
  10. Do not re-enter the building until the all-clear is given by _______________

4C: Assembly Points

| Assembly Point | Location Description | Areas That Report Here | Warden Responsible |
|----------------|---------------------|----------------------|-------------------|
| **Point A** | | | |
| **Point B** | | | |
| **Point C** | | | |

**Assembly Point Requirements:**
- Minimum 300 feet from the building (or as directed by fire department)
- Away from driveways and roads used by emergency vehicles
- Large enough to accommodate all personnel from assigned areas
- Clearly identifiable landmark or marking

4D: Accountability

**At the assembly point, the area warden will:**

  1. Take attendance using the area roster
  2. Identify any persons unaccounted for
  3. Report status to the EAP Coordinator: "[Area] — all accounted for" or "[Area] — [Name(s)] unaccounted for, last known location _______________"
  4. The EAP Coordinator will relay unaccounted persons to emergency responders — DO NOT re-enter the building to search

4E: Persons Requiring Assistance

| Employee Name | Location | Nature of Assistance Needed | Designated Buddy/Assistant | Alternative Assistant |
|---------------|----------|----------------------------|---------------------------|----------------------|
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |

**[GUIDANCE: This section is required and sensitive. Employees with mobility impairments, visual or hearing impairments, or medical conditions that affect their ability to evacuate independently must have a plan. Discuss evacuation procedures privately with each employee, assign a buddy, identify accessible exit routes, and if applicable, identify areas of refuge where they can wait for emergency responder assistance. Update this section when personnel change.]**

---

Section 5: Emergency-Specific Procedures

5A: Fire

| Step | Action |
|------|--------|
| 1 | Activate the nearest fire alarm pull station |
| 2 | Call 911 |
| 3 | If trained and the fire is small (wastebasket-sized), attempt to extinguish with a fire extinguisher using the PASS technique (Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep). If unsuccessful within 30 seconds, evacuate. |
| 4 | Close doors to confine fire and smoke |
| 5 | Evacuate via nearest safe exit route |
| 6 | Report to assembly point |
| 7 | Do not re-enter until fire department gives all-clear |

**Fire Extinguisher Locations:**

| Location | Type | Last Inspection |
|----------|------|-----------------|
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |

5B: Earthquake

| Step | Action |
|------|--------|
| 1 | **DROP — COVER — HOLD ON** |
| 2 | Get under a sturdy desk or table. Protect your head and neck. |
| 3 | Stay away from windows, shelving, and heavy objects that could fall |
| 4 | If outdoors, move to an open area away from buildings, power lines, and trees |
| 5 | After shaking stops, check for injuries. Provide first aid if trained. |
| 6 | Check for structural damage, gas leaks, electrical damage, fire |
| 7 | If building is damaged or gas leak is suspected, evacuate immediately |
| 8 | Do not use elevators |
| 9 | Be prepared for aftershocks |
| 10 | Report to assembly point. Await direction from EAP Coordinator. |

**[GUIDANCE: California-specific. Earthquake procedures are not optional in this state. Train on DROP-COVER-HOLD ON annually. Include earthquake preparedness in new hire orientation. Post procedures in every workspace.]**

5C: Medical Emergency

| Step | Action |
|------|--------|
| 1 | Call 911 for life-threatening emergencies |
| 2 | Do not move the injured person unless they are in immediate danger |
| 3 | Notify the nearest first aid/CPR/AED responder |
| 4 | If trained, provide first aid or CPR until EMS arrives |
| 5 | If AED is needed, retrieve from location: _______________ |
| 6 | Designate someone to meet EMS at the entrance and guide them to the patient |
| 7 | Clear the area of non-essential personnel |
| 8 | Notify the employee's emergency contact (HR responsibility) |
| 9 | Complete an incident report |

**First Aid Kit Locations:**

| Location | Contents Last Verified | Responsible Person |
|----------|------------------------|--------------------|
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |

**AED Locations:**

| Location | Last Inspection | Pads Expiration | Battery Expiration |
|----------|----------------|-----------------|-------------------|
| | | | |
| | | | |

5D: Workplace Violence / Active Threat

| Step | Action |
|------|--------|
| 1 | **RUN** — If a safe escape path is accessible, evacuate immediately. Leave belongings. Help others escape if possible. Call 911 once safe. |
| 2 | **HIDE** — If evacuation is not possible, hide in a secure room. Lock and barricade the door. Silence phones. Turn off lights. Stay out of sight. |
| 3 | **FIGHT** — As a last resort only, when your life is in imminent danger, take aggressive action against the attacker. |
| 4 | When law enforcement arrives: hands visible, follow all commands, do not grab officers, do not point or scream |
| 5 | After the threat is neutralized, do not return to the building until law enforcement clears it |

*See your WVPP (article 238) for detailed workplace violence prevention and response procedures.*

5E: Hazardous Material Release

| Step | Action |
|------|--------|
| 1 | If you can identify the material, refer to the Safety Data Sheet (SDS). SDS binder location: _______________ |
| 2 | If the release is small and you are trained, contain it using appropriate spill kit. Spill kit locations: _______________ |
| 3 | If the release is large, involves unknown materials, or poses immediate health risk, evacuate the area immediately |
| 4 | Notify the EAP Coordinator and any designated hazmat personnel |
| 5 | Call 911 if the release threatens health or could spread beyond the facility |
| 6 | Ventilate the area if safe to do so (open windows, activate exhaust fans) |
| 7 | Do not eat, drink, or smoke in the contaminated area |
| 8 | Affected employees should wash exposed skin and change contaminated clothing |
| 9 | Document the incident: material, quantity, area affected, persons exposed |

5F: Utility Failure

**Power Outage:**
1. Emergency lighting should activate automatically. If it does not, this is a finding that must be corrected.
2. Shut down sensitive equipment to prevent surge damage when power returns
3. If outage exceeds ___ minutes, evacuate if building becomes unsafe (no ventilation, extreme temperature, security concerns)

**Gas Leak:**
1. Do not turn on/off any electrical switches, lights, or equipment
2. Do not use phones inside the building
3. Evacuate immediately
4. Call 911 from outside the building
5. Call gas utility: _______________

**Water Main Break:**
1. Shut off water supply if location is known and accessible: _______________
2. Protect electrical equipment from water damage
3. Evacuate if water creates electrical or structural hazard

5G: Severe Weather

**Extreme Heat:**
- Implement Heat Illness Prevention procedures per Cal/OSHA Title 8 §3395
- Provide water, shade, and rest breaks
- Monitor employees for heat illness symptoms
- If indoor temperature exceeds ___ degrees and cannot be controlled, consider sending employees home

**Wildfire Smoke:**
- Monitor AQI (Air Quality Index). Threshold for action: AQI > ___
- When AQI exceeds threshold: close windows and doors, increase HVAC filtration, provide N95 respirators for outdoor workers, consider early release
- Per Cal/OSHA Title 8 §5141.1: employers must monitor AQI and protect employees when AQI for PM2.5 exceeds 151

**Flooding:**
- Monitor weather alerts for flash flood warnings
- If flooding threatens the facility, evacuate before roads become impassable
- Do not walk or drive through flood water
- Shut off electrical systems if water is entering the building

---

Section 6: Communication During Emergencies

6A: Employee Notification Methods

| Method | How It Works | Who Activates | Limitations |
|--------|-------------|---------------|-------------|
| **Fire Alarm** | Audible alarm + strobes | Any employee (pull station) | No voice communication |
| **PA System** | Voice announcement | EAP Coordinator, reception, security | Requires power |
| **Mass Text/Call** | Automated notification system | EAP Coordinator | Requires cell service |
| **Phone Tree** | Sequential manual calls | Department supervisors | Slow, unreliable |
| **Email** | Company-wide email | EAP Coordinator, IT | Not reliable during emergencies |
| **In-Person** | Runner/verbal notification | Area wardens | Only option when all systems fail |

6B: External Communication

| Audience | Who Communicates | Message Approval |
|----------|-----------------|-----------------|
| **Media** | _______________ (title) ONLY. No other employee speaks to media. | Executive approval required |
| **Employee Families** | HR department. Employees may contact families from assembly point. | Template message pre-approved |
| **Customers/Clients** | _______________ (title) | Executive approval required |
| **Regulatory Agencies** | EAP Coordinator and/or Safety Manager | Per regulatory requirements |
| **Insurance** | _______________ (title) | Per policy requirements |

---

Section 7: Emergency Contacts

7A: External Emergency Contacts

| Service | Number | Address/Notes |
|---------|--------|---------------|
| **Emergency (Police/Fire/EMS)** | 911 | — |
| **Police Non-Emergency** | | |
| **Fire Department Non-Emergency** | | |
| **Hospital/Urgent Care** | | Address: |
| **Poison Control** | 1-800-222-1222 | National hotline |
| **Gas Utility** | | |
| **Electric Utility** | | |
| **Water Utility** | | |
| **Cal/OSHA** | | District office: |
| **Building Management** | | |
| **Security Company** | | Account #: |
| **Insurance (Property)** | | Policy #: |
| **Insurance (Workers Comp)** | | Policy #: |
| **Legal Counsel** | | |

7B: Internal Emergency Contacts

| Role | Name | Office Phone | Cell Phone | Email |
|------|------|-------------|------------|-------|
| **EAP Coordinator** | | | | |
| **Backup Coordinator** | | | | |
| **Company Executive** | | | | |
| **HR Contact** | | | | |
| **Facility Manager** | | | | |
| **IT Contact** | | | | |

---

Section 8: Training and Drills

8A: Training Requirements

| Training | Who | When | Method | Duration |
|----------|-----|------|--------|----------|
| **EAP Overview** | All employees | Within first week of hire | Classroom + walkthrough | ___ minutes |
| **Evacuation Routes** | All employees | At hire + when routes change | Physical walkthrough | ___ minutes |
| **Fire Extinguisher** | Designated employees | Initial + annual | Hands-on | ___ minutes |
| **First Aid/CPR/AED** | Designated responders | Initial + every 2 years (CPR/AED) | Certified course | 4-8 hours |
| **Active Threat** | All employees | Initial + annual | Classroom + scenario | ___ minutes |
| **Hazmat Response** | Designated employees | Initial + annual | Classroom + hands-on | ___ minutes |
| **Earthquake** | All employees | Annual | Drop-Cover-Hold drill | ___ minutes |

8B: Drill Schedule

| Drill Type | Frequency | Last Conducted | Next Scheduled | Coordinator |
|------------|-----------|----------------|----------------|-------------|
| **Fire Evacuation** | Annually minimum | | | |
| **Earthquake Drop-Cover-Hold** | Annually | | | |
| **Active Threat (tabletop)** | Annually | | | |
| **Full-Scale (multi-scenario)** | Every 2 years | | | |

8C: Drill Documentation

After each drill, document:

| Field | Entry |
|-------|-------|
| **Drill Date and Time** | |
| **Drill Type** | |
| **Scenario** | |
| **Total Participants** | |
| **Evacuation Time** | |
| **Issues Identified** | |
| **Corrective Actions** | |
| **Assigned To** | |
| **Deadline** | |

**[GUIDANCE: Drills reveal what works and what does not. The fire alarm that nobody can hear in the warehouse. The exit door that is always blocked by pallets. The assembly point that is in the fire lane. The employee who does not know where to go because they started two weeks ago and nobody showed them. Every drill should produce findings. If a drill produces zero findings, either your plan is perfect or your drill was not realistic. Bet on the second option.]**

---

Section 9: Plan Maintenance

9A: Review Schedule

| Review Type | Frequency | Responsible |
|-------------|-----------|-------------|
| **Annual Review** | Every 12 months | EAP Coordinator |
| **Post-Incident Review** | After every emergency or drill | EAP Coordinator |
| **Change-Triggered Review** | When building layout, operations, or personnel change | EAP Coordinator |

9B: Revision Log

| Version | Date | Revised By | Changes Made |
|---------|------|-----------|--------------|
| 1.0 | | | Initial plan |
| | | | |
| | | | |

9C: Distribution

This EAP is distributed to:

  • [ ] All employees (at hire and when updated)
  • [ ] All supervisors and managers
  • [ ] Building management
  • [ ] Local fire department (upon request)
  • [ ] Insurance carrier (upon request)

---

Appendices

  • [ ] **Appendix A:** Facility floor plans with evacuation routes, exits, extinguishers, first aid, AED locations
  • [ ] **Appendix B:** Assembly point map
  • [ ] **Appendix C:** Emergency contact wallet cards (distribute to all employees)
  • [ ] **Appendix D:** Drill documentation forms
  • [ ] **Appendix E:** Training attendance records
  • [ ] **Appendix F:** SDS binder location list

---

Signatures

| Role | Name | Signature | Date |
|------|------|-----------|------|
| **Company Executive** | | | |
| **EAP Coordinator** | | | |
| **Facility Manager** | | | |
| **Employee Representative** | | | |

---

*Protekon builds Emergency Action Plans that work in the real world — not theoretical documents written by people who have never walked your building. We conduct on-site assessments, map your actual evacuation routes, identify your actual assembly points, designate your actual people, and run drills that test the plan under realistic conditions. When something goes wrong at your facility, your employees will know exactly what to do — because we built the plan around your facility, trained your people on it, and tested it before it mattered.*