Evacuation 

Evacuation Routes and Maps

All evacuation exit routes are permanent and are maintained as accessible and passable at all times. Evacuation maps are posted at various locations throughout our facility. These maps reflect the location of the evacuation routes, exits and evacuation destination locations. Appendix A contains copies of these maps.

Accounting for Personnel

Employee roster sheets will be used for personnel accounting following an evacuation.  Supervisors or designees will be responsible for using the roster sheets to accomplish a head count immediately following evacuation. Visitor Logs will be used to account for individuals in these groups.

EVACUATING FOR A DISASTER

Copy/back up all patient records and all computer data

Arrange transportation for animals

Secure safe location to evacuate animals to

Secure computers and electrical equipment present in the veterinary clinic/hospital

Move all valuable paperwork, charts and retail items to a safe height or secure location in the facility

Use water-tight plastic containers to store copies of insurance papers, employee contracts, leases, payroll information, financial data, checks and bank info

Have a copy of clinic employee address, phone number and emergency contact information laminated and ready to go

Secure all windows and glass doors

Remove artwork to a secure location. Insurance coverage is great for valuable artwork

Sand bags to prevent water from coming in

Banking information/check books and supply of cash taken in water tight container

Remove all controlled drugs and take DEA registration and license numbers with you

Animal preparation if you need to evacuate
- Clean transport cage ready for each and every animal in the hospital
- Copies of the animal records of all the animals in the clinic at the time of the disaster/evacuation in water tight container
- Three day supply of food capable of feeding animals in water tight container
- Emergency drugs/supplies to-go kit transported with pets
- Contact numbers of local veterinarians/shelters you plan to use

Ready your patients for evacuation:

Make copies of the records of all the animals in the clinic at the time of the
disaster/evacuation. Place the copies in a watertight container or bag to be carried with the animal during evacuation.

Have a clean transport cage ready for every animal in the hospital.

Have a two-week supply of food capable of feeding all the animals you plan to evacuate in a watertight box to make transport and storage easier.

Carry emergency drugs and supplies with you in case of problems.

Secure hospital equipment: All computers, laboratory equipment, X-ray machines and valuable electrical equipment should be covered or encased in heavy plastic bags, moved to a safe room in your facility, or taken with you.

Move all valuable paperwork, charts and retail items to a secure location within the facility: Use watertight, plastic containers to store client files and paperwork. Retail items should be moved off the ground. Fire safes are not water tight. Plan to take controlled substances, narcotics, and DEA paperwork with you.

Secure all windows and glass doors: Precut plywood is the best form of protection-Preventing potential weather damage will always reap benefits!

Remove artwork to a secure location: Even though your artwork may be insured, it may not be adequately covered. Plus, if you do not have to replace these valuables, you will have more contents coverage available to replace your damaged inventory and equipment.

Have cash on hand: You may not be able to get to a bank or cash a check during an evacuation or after a disaster. Plan ahead and have cash or cashier’s checks available.