Ensure key individuals within your organization have created NotifyJoCo accounts and registered your organization’s specific location(s). Encourage your  employees, members, and/or stakeholders to do the same. 

• Create or update a NotifyJoCo account at www.notifyjoco.org or by calling 913-826-5555. 
• Download a sample email or postcard to distribute to others.

Option 1: Identify Emergency Contacts & Leadership Roles

Develop a simple document listing key emergency contacts, including leadership, facility managers, and emergency services. Ensure all staff or members know who to contact in case of an emergency.

Option 2: Create or Update an Emergency Action Plan

Develop a basic plan outlining how your organization will respond to emergencies such as fire, severe  weather, or medical incidents. Include evacuation procedures, shelter locations and communication protocols.

Option 3: Establish a Communication Plan

Identify how your organization will communicate internally during an emergency (e.g., phone trees, text alerts, or  group messaging apps) and externally with key partners, clients, or stakeholders.

Option 4: Develop a Business Continuity or Service Disruption Plan

Outline how your organization will continue critical functions if an emergency disrupts operations. Consider alternative work locations, remote access to files and backup power needs.

Option 5: Ensure Emergency Supplies Are Available & Maintained

Assess whether your organization has essential emergency supplies, such as first aid kits, flashlights, bottled water, and battery backups. Ensure supplies are accessible and regularly checked.

Option 1: Conduct a Basic Emergency Preparedness Discussion

Hold a short meeting or discussion about what to do in various emergency scenarios, including fire, weather emergencies, and medical incidents. Encourage questions and ensure all staff or members know basic safety protocols.

Option 2: Encourage Participation in an Emergency Training Course

Have at least one staff member complete a relevant training, such as CPR/First Aid, Stop  the Bleed, or FEMA’s free online emergency preparedness courses.

Option 3: Review Severe Weather Preparedness Procedures

Educate staff or members on how to respond to severe weather threats like tornadoes, floods or winter storms. Identify designated shelter areas and discuss warning signs.

Option 4: Provide Fire Safety Training

Train staff or members on how to use fire extinguishers, identify fire hazards, and follow evacuation procedures. Consider inviting a local fire department representative for a brief safety talk.

Option 5: Host an Active Threat Awareness Discussion

Discuss basic response strategies for active threats (e.g., “Run, Hide, Fight”) and encourage staff to remain aware of exits and safe areas in the building

Option 1: Conduct a Fire Drill or Severe Weather Drill

Practice evacuation procedures for a fire or sheltering procedures for a tornado or other severe weather event. Ensure everyone knows the correct steps to take.

Option 2: Hold a Tabletop Exercise on an Emergency Scenario

Organize a discussion-based exercise where the team walks through how they would respond to a hypothetical emergency. Discuss roles, decision making and response actions.

Option 3: Test Your Organization’s Emergency Communication Plan

Conduct a test of your internal emergency notification system (e.g., text alerts, phone tree, email notifications) to ensure messages are received and understood.

Option 4: Review and Update Emergency Procedures Based on a Recent Incident or Drill

After any real emergency or practice drill, hold a follow-up discussion to identify what went well and what needs improvement. Make necessary updates to your emergency plans

Option 1: Share Emergency Preparedness Tips with Staff, Members, or Customers

Use newsletters, social media, posters or meetings to distribute  information on how individuals can prepare for emergencies at home and at work.

Option 2: Identify Ways Your Organization Could Assist the Community During an Emergency

Determine if your organization has resources or skills that could support emergency response, such as space for sheltering, volunteers or  supplies. 

Option 3: Partner with Another Organization to Strengthen Preparedness

Coordinate with the county, your city, neighboring businesses, nonprofit or faith-based group to discuss preparedness strategies or share emergency resources.

Option 4: Participate in a Community Preparedness Event or Initiative

Join or support a local emergency preparedness event, such as a safety fair, CERT training or public awareness campaign, to help promote resilience in the broader community.