QOTM: Overlooked items you should include in emergency preparation

Doug Foster

Burt’s Termite & Pest Control

“Spill kits, along with who and how to respond to certain situations, such as contacting the fire department, police or regulatory officials. First aid kits are critical in vehicles, but technicians often forget to replenish them unless they’re specifically inspected by supervisors. We also use a group text to stay in touch with all team members during emergencies, weather and road condition alerts, and when someone needs assistance.”

Dr. Faith Oi

University of Florida

“A spill kit and, at the very minimum, a flat-end shovel to dig a trench to prevent spills from spreading or to dig up soil as an absorbent for the spill. Remember the three C’s: control, contain, clean up — and maybe a fourth: Call the office after the spill is cleaned up.”

Pete Schopen

RV There Yet Pest Consulting

“An after-hours emergency phone number. Someone at your company should be available to take a phone call in case a client thinks their child or pet had an allergic reaction to the pesticides used on their property, for example. Every service agreement or contract should have an emergency phone number on the form.”

Dr. Mohammed El Damir

Adam’s Pest Control

“Clear, laminated emergency procedures and contamination response steps in every service vehicle, along with spare uniforms so technicians can change immediately after exposure.”

Eric Scherzinger

Scherzinger Pest Contro

“The contact person if you get into an accident, and if you can’t get hold of that person, who the next person is to call.”

Sheri Spencer Bachman

Pest Control Business Coach

“I asked my colleague and technical and compliance business coach, Rick Bell, ACE, because he has nearly 50 years in the pest management industry. Here’s his response: ‘Of all the spills and other emergencies I’ve been involved in, one item stands head and shoulders over any other that you should create and carry in every vehicle: an emergency response manual. It must contain all the procedures necessary in an emergency, including a phone tree with numbers, a clear chain of communication, wreck information instructions, a simple and understandable spill cleanup protocol, and appropriate forms to detail everything about the incident.”