It is absolutely critical to maintain an updated Emergency Response Management (ERM) Program and to prepare the Facility Management department and the organization for unexpected events.

What is Emergency Response Management? ERM or Emergency Response Management refers to documented procedures that outline how the facility management team should respond to an unexpected emergency situation.

Now more than ever is the time to ensure you have a comprehensive emergency preparedness plan. The COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve and impact the way all facilities—from Government to offices to schools to Colleges and Universities—are used and managed.

Facility managers have to be ready for anything from bomb threats to flooding, labor strikes, workplace violence and so much more. Particularly while the COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve and impact the way facilities are used and managed, now more than ever is the time to ensure you have a comprehensive emergency preparedness plan.

September is National Preparedness Month (NPM), which promotes family and community disaster planning now and throughout the year. As our nation continues to respond to COVID-19, there is no better time to be involved this September.

As of Monday March 16 many public and private schools across the nation have now been closed. And the situation is continuing to change. School closures, self-quarantine, social distancing and tough decisions including cancelled meetings and other in-person events have become essential to help 'flatten the curve', slowing the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19) and helping to ensure that key healthcare facilities do not become overburdened. While these are not the easiest decisions, they can help slowdown the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19). The health and safety of all of students and staff is always a top priority for K12 Schools as well as Colleges and Universities, and it is now more than ever in the wake of the evolving global situation around the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). We encourage everyone to listen to facts and not respond to fear, and we have provided a list of resources at the end of this article.

September is National Preparedness Month. It's a great time to re-evaluate your current emergency response plan and find areas for improvement. It is vital for facilities professionals in all industries to protect buildings and occupiers.

In the wake of the devastating fire at Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, here at Intellis, we have been interested in learning about some of the vital factors that allowed the French Fire Brigade to act quickly, salvaging the main structure and many historical artifacts after two-thirds of the roof along with the delicate spire were destroyed in a fire earlier this week.

Efforts toward emergency preparedness have increased substantially, particularly since 9/11. Facility managers must be ready for anything from bomb threats to flooding, labor strikes, workplace violence, and more. Facility managers must have emergency response management plans to ensure the safety of their employees, visitors, and physical assets. Such plans help mitigate the impact of unforeseen events such as natural disasters, accidents, or security breaches. They are designed to provide guidance and direction to employees during emergency situations and outline the procedures for responding to potential threats. How to create an emergency response management plan? Read on to discover how!