Response Time Matters

The speed at which an emergency is detected and addressed can make all the difference. Ensuring that employees are trained to recognize and react swiftly to incidents can significantly reduce the impact of an emergency. Fire suppression systems, emergency shutoff protocols, and designated response teams must be in place and regularly reviewed. Attractions should conduct routine response drills to evaluate and improve reaction times.

A Detailed Safety Plan Saves Lives

Having a detailed emergency plan in place before a crisis occurs is essential. This plan should outline specific roles and responsibilities, evacuation procedures, designated safe zones, and steps for addressing various emergency scenarios. Safety is always the number one priority, and attractions must ensure their plans are up to date and align with local fire and safety regulations.

Managing Public Perception and Misinformation

In today’s digital age, information spreads rapidly—and so does misinformation. False reports or exaggerated stories can damage a brand’s reputation if not addressed promptly. A dedicated crisis communication strategy should be in place to provide accurate updates through official channels, such as social media, press releases, and direct communication with guests on-site. Swift, transparent communication can help prevent speculation and maintain public trust.

Proper Staff Training is Essential

Emergency plans are only as effective as the people executing them. All employees—from frontline staff to management—should be well-versed in emergency protocols. Regular training sessions, including fire safety, medical emergencies, severe weather responses, and guest evacuation procedures, should be mandatory. Training should be practical and hands-on, ensuring employees feel confident in handling emergencies.

Test, Review, and Improve

An emergency plan should never be static. Regular testing through scheduled and surprise drills helps identify weaknesses in procedures and ensures that employees remain prepared. Post-drill evaluations should be conducted to analyze response effectiveness and update procedures accordingly. Additionally, incidents like the Epcot and Oceana fires provide learning opportunities—theme parks and attractions should use these real-world cases to refine their own emergency protocols.

Leverage Industry Experts for Plan Reviews

Bringing in an outside company, such as International Theme Park Services (ITPS), to review and assess your emergency action plan can provide valuable insights. With over 42 years of experience in the leisure industry, ITPS specializes in evaluating safety procedures, identifying potential gaps, and offering expert recommendations to enhance preparedness. An independent review ensures that emergency plans meet industry best practices and regulatory requirements while incorporating the latest safety innovations.

The recent fire at Epcot and other similar events are powerful reminders that emergencies can happen at any time, whether fires, accidents, or other types of incidents - and preparation is key to minimizing risk. Ensuring that communication strategies, response times, safety planning, misinformation management, staff training, and emergency testing are in place and regularly reviewed can make all the difference in handling such incidents effectively. For the leisure attraction industry, prioritizing safety and preparedness is not just a best practice—it’s a responsibility.