Page 50 - DB Crisis Management Guide

Operations

In an emergency situation that takes place while your store is open for business, you may not have much time
to make decisions about how to secure company assets, particularly cash. Every situation will be different, but
in any emergency situation, our primary concern is the safety and security of our Team Members and Guests.

PREPARATION IS KEY TO ENSURING SAFETY IN ACTUAL EVACUATION

 The GM should review evacuation procedures with all new hires. Refresh with the Staff at the all store
meeting.
 Prior to an evacuation being necessary, each Manager should know the safest route to evacuate, as
well as an alternate route. This must be done for each work area.
 Identify where Managers should direct Guests and Team Members to go. Identify the meeting place
outside of the building and, because evacuations occur for various reasons, you should always have at
least two different meeting locations that will be determined by the emergency.

 Identify all available exits and ensure they are always properly marked and access is not hindered in
any way.

 A sufficient number of Team Members must be trained to assist other Team Members in the safe
evacuation of the store. The Training Manager reviews these procedures with all new hires.

EVACUATION

 If time allows, contact your ROD/ROM for immediate direction. The ROD/ROM will contact the Crisis Hotline
and the Crisis Team will be notified.
 If time does not allow, you must make decisions based on the immediate situation. The safety of your
Guests and Team Members must be your first priority.
 Use common sense and remain calm.
 If possible, quickly gather Team Members and give a brief explanation of the emergency situation. This
is to prevent any panic once the announcement is made. All Team Members should know what to do as
soon as the announcement is made.
 An announcement should be made over the intercom. “May I have your attention. Please remain calm.
An emergency situation exists and an evacuation of the building is necessary. Please take your
belongings and exit through the nearest door.”

 If an intercom announcement is not an option, the Team Members should be enlisted to inform every
Guest that there is an emergency situation that requires the building to be evacuated.

 Give the Guests the predetermined evacuation route.

 In most cases, the Guests will leave your property. However, if you have Guests that remain on your
property, keep them informed as to what is going on and when they may re-enter the building. If
possible, have a Manager collect their names and addresses so you can send a letter apologizing
for the inconvenience.

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