Why Evacuation Plans Matter
In the event of an emergency, the most important thing isn’t equipment, records, or inventory, it’s lives. Having a clear, well-communicated, and regularly practiced evacuation plan can make the difference between chaos and calm, injury and safety. While emergencies may feel unlikely, events like fires, explosions, natural disasters, chemical leaks, and even active threats can happen anywhere, at any time.
The recent Camp Mystic tragedy is a tragic reminder that preparedness is not optional. In moments of crisis, there is no time to think through logistics. A well-practiced evacuation plan is the only thing that matters when seconds count.
Who is Required to Have an Evacuation Plan?
According to federal law, most businesses are required to have an emergency action plan (EAP) including a clearly outlined evacuation procedure in place. These requirements are outlined by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) under 29 CFR 1910.38.
Employers with more than 10 employees must have a written Emergency Action Plan. Those with 10 or fewer employees may communicate the plan orally. However, having a documented and accessible plan is strongly recommended regardless of company size, especially for facilities that deal with:
- Controlled substances (human or veterinary)
- Hazardous chemicals or waste
- High volumes of foot traffic (patients, clients, customers)
- Vulnerable populations (animals, elderly, etc.)
- Staff working in high-risk areas (labs, surgery suites, etc.)
Key Components of a Required Evacuation Plan
As outlined by OSHA, an Emergency Action Plan must include, at minimum:
- Procedures for reporting a fire or other emergency
- Evacuation procedures and emergency escape route assignments
- Procedures for employees who remain to operate critical operations before they evacuate
- Procedures to account for all employees after evacuation
- Rescue and medical duties for designated employees
- Names and job titles of those who can be contacted for more information or clarification
For veterinary facilities, this should also include:
- Animal evacuation protocols (where applicable)
- Location of emergency exits, extinguishers, and alarm panels
- Procedures for handling or securing controlled substances during emergencies
- Shelter-in-place options for extreme weather
Regulatory Requirements and Compliance
The key regulation requiring evacuation plans is: 29 CFR §1910.38 – Emergency Action Plans
Additional guidance is often incorporated through state OSHA plans (such as Cal/OSHA in California) and industry-specific rules.
Facilities that handle hazardous chemicals may also fall under additional requirements of 29 CFR §1910.120 (HAZWOPER), especially in the event of chemical spills, releases, or fire.
Veterinary facilities that store or use controlled substances should also include DEA compliance protocols, such as locking up medications before evacuating or logging destruction if necessary.
Training and Frequency
OSHA requires that employers:
- Train employees on the evacuation plan when they are first hired
- Retrain whenever the plan changes (this could be cue to construction or a build out)
- Conduct drills and reviews periodically to ensure effectiveness
Best practice: Review and practice your plan at least annually. High-risk facilities (e.g., hospitals, mobile units, rural locations) may benefit from more frequent drills.
Training should include:
- Exit route familiarity
- Role assignments (e.g., floor warden, animal handler)
- Communication protocols (who calls 911, who logs evacuation, etc.)
- How to assist clients, patients, or visitors
- Location and use of fire extinguishers or emergency shut-offs if trained