You’re probably familiar with the concept of having an emergency kit for your home, but what about your office?
While situations where you’d need an office emergency kit are rare, it’s better to be safe than sorry. There are companies like U-Guard Security Products, that specialize in creating safety devices for emergency situations. It’s up to you to make the responsible choice and invest in an office emergency kit. Doing so will keep yourself and the people in your office prepared and safe.
Below are five essential things to keep in mind when building your office emergency kit.
1. First Aid Kit
Even if you don’t have a fully equipped emergency kit quite yet, you probably do have a first aid kit at the office. This is one of the most important things you can have on hand in case of an emergency, allowing you to treat small injuries and provide help for yourself and your colleagues. Small scrapes, scratches, or other minor injuries are common in the workplace. A first aid kit is a practical option to be able to tend to these issues right away.
2. Emergency Drinking Water
Drinking water is essential for large-scale emergencies, especially those in which you will be without power or aid for a long time. If you live in an area prone to earthquakes, you know that if the earthquake is bad enough it can damage water systems. In the event of a serious storm like a hurricane or a blizzard, water may also be difficult to come by because of people who want to stock up on supplies.
No matter your situation, having one gallon of clean water per person per day is the ideal amount. If possible, plan for this water supply to last about two weeks.
3. Food Bars
Storing a good amount of food bars follows the same logic as storing emergency drinking water. In situations where your office loses power, and you need to shelter in place, having access to food is one of the most important things to consider. However, not all food bars are created equal. To avoid having to replenish your stash too often or being left with spoiled food, make sure to choose food bars specially made for these situations that have a long shelf life.
4. Flashlight with Extra Batteries
During an emergency, especially one that is caused by a natural disaster, it’s very common that power is lost. Having a flashlight with extra batteries will allow you and your colleagues to be able to stay safe if the power is out, or if you are stuck in the office overnight.
5. Solar Powered Charger
These chargers can be used for all sorts of electronics, including an emergency radio or a regular smartphone. Emergency radios are important for large-scale disasters, as they allow you to keep up to date on current events without needing access to electricity or the internet. Being able to power your smartphone is also incredibly important since this can allow you to call for help or contact loved ones to let them know you are safe.
Final Thoughts
Having a modest emergency kit for the office is better than no emergency kit at all. Even if you are just starting to stock up on what you need, these five items are a great place to begin. As long as you have a strong base that includes a solar-powered charger, a flashlight, extra batteries, food bars, water, and a first aid kit, you will be able to keep yourself and your office safe.