If disaster strikes during business hours, you and your employees may become stranded at work for an undetermined amount of time. You could experience a lack of power or clean drinking water, and you may need to endure the elements outside, no matter the season. Whether you’re forced to remain at the office for hours or days, it’s always wise to ensure that you have plenty of emergency supplies at the ready for yourself and your employees.
Here is a quick list of the necessities that you should keep on hand in the event of an emergency. These items will help you take the proper measures to protect your employees from harm:
Food – Your workplace should have at least a 3-day supply of emergency food for each employee in the event of disaster. We recommend stocking up on non-perishable items such as salt-free crackers, canned foods with high liquid content, protein bars, peanut butter, and dried fruits. Make sure that these foods don’t require refrigeration, cooking, or any other kind of preparation.
Water – Just like the non-perishable items, your office should also keep a minimum 3-day supply of emergency water per person. Ideally, this would include one gallon of water per person per day. You can do this by purchasing cases of water bottles or storing 55-gallon water storage barrels to use for drinking and sanitation purposes when necessary.
Emergency Lights – Sometimes when disasters occur, electricity may go out for minutes, hours, or even days, leaving you and your employees in the dark. Emergency lighting is essential to help you and your staff navigate through the dark, especially if there is debris. While battery-powered flashlights can work in a pinch, it’s best to have a few solar-powered or hand-cranked flashlights and candles on hand to light the way.
Radios – Radios are useful, especially when you need to receive life-saving updates and evacuation notices. We recommend keeping a few AM/FM solar-powered radios on hand. Battery-powered radios also work well, but it’s wise to conserve battery power whenever possible.
First Aid Kits – In the event that one of your employees is injured, a first aid kit can come in handy. Keep a few comprehensive emergency first aid kits in easily accessible locations. Your kits should include bandages, gauze, adhesive tape, and other useful items.
Protection Against the Elements – If you building sustains any damage that makes it unsafe to occupy, you and your staff may need to leave the premises. Be prepared with rain ponchos, thermal blankets, gloves, body warmer pads, and a canopy shelter.
Sanitation Supplies – In the event of disaster, plumbing and running water will more than likely be unavailable. To keep things sanitary and stave off sickness, your office should have emergency sanitation supplies available. These items should include hand sanitizers, individual tissue packets, quality cleaning chemicals, and more.
We hope that this list has helped you become more aware of the issues that you and your staff may face during crises. Be sure to print this list out and keep it with your disaster preparation plan.