This is an AI generated picture of food and preparedness supplies in a desk drawer.

Smart Workplace Preparedness - Keep It Simple, Stay Safe

This week, we're going to begin preparing for the first 72 hours in an emergency. It's important not to feel pressured by all the noise and advice out there. Please don't panic and spend all your savings on prepper supplies. You will end up with products you don't really need, or you could have found them for a better price second-hand. Buying a bunch of items from dollar stores might seem like a good deal, but they may not be reliable when you actually need them.  

This is a picture of the words Keep It Simple, with a hand drawing a red line underneath the words.

Keep It Simple:  We want to be practical and keep things simple. Remember KISS? It stands for "Keep It Simple, Stupid!" Let's be smart and get ready for what's most likely to happen in our area.

I'm in Florida, so hurricanes are a big concern. Each place has its own risks.  Which of the following disasters that FEMA cites are worrisome to you?                    

  • floods
  • hurricanes
  • thunderstorms and lightning
  • tornadoes
  • winter storms and extreme cold
  • extreme heat
  • earthquakes
  • volcanoes
  • landslides and debris flow
  • tsunamis
  • wildfires
This is a picture of the words 72 Hours inside a circle with an arrow indicating movement.

Ready for 72 Hours in Three Scenarios:  We'll break it down over the next weeks, focusing on being ready for 72 hours in three scenarios: your workplace (if you work outside the home), your home, and evacuation. The odds of sheltering in place versus evacuating will vary, and the best course of action will depend on the specific circumstances of each natural disaster. Stay informed, have an emergency plan in place, and be prepared to adapt based on the evolving situation.

Sheltering in Place at Work:  Today we are going to talk about sheltering in place at work. Natural disasters or civil unrest could make it unsafe to leave. Even if you only need to remain at your work site for one day, you want to be comfortable, right?

Emergency Supplies:  Having emergency supplies at your workplace is a smart step in ensuring your safety and well-being in unexpected situations, as well as keeping you comfortable. Yes, many of your workplaces have some of these supplies on site.  But is stock kept up-to-date?  And, is there enough for you and your co-workers?  Sunshine Preppers is all about being self-sufficient and suggests the following emergency supplies:

  1. Water: Have a sufficient supply of bottled water to sustain you for at least 72 hours. Plan for one gallon of water per day.
  2. Non-Perishable Food: Stock up on non-perishable, easy-to-eat food items like granola bars, energy bars, canned goods, nuts or dried fruits. Ensure that you have a manual can opener if your food items are canned.  
  3. First Aid Kit: Your work first aid kit should include bandages, antiseptic wipes, gauze pads, pain relievers, adhesive tape, scissors, medications for stomach ailments/diarrhea, burn cream, antibiotic ointment, non latex gloves, and any necessary personal medications.  
  4. Flashlight and Batteries: In case of power outages, a reliable flashlight with extra batteries is crucial. Consider a battery-powered or hand-cranked emergency flashlight.
  5. Multi-Tool:  A versatile tool can be useful in various situations, from opening packages to minor repairs. I especially like the  "credit card multitools" or "wallet multitools." These compact tools are designed to be the size of a credit card, fitting easily into a wallet, and typically include various functions such as screwdrivers, bottle openers, wrenches, and other tools. They are convenient for everyday carry and provide a range of functionalities in a compact and portable form.
    a picture of an emergency blanket. It is thin, silver-colored and reflects 90% of your body heat, keeping you warm.
  6. Blanket:  In case you need to stay overnight, having a blanket can provide comfort and warmth.  I personally like the emergency blankets that many campers and hikers keep.  They are lightweight, small, and reflect 90% of your body heat, keeping you comfortable. An inflatable pillow would also be one of my must haves. 
  7. Comfortable Shoes: Keep a pair of sturdy, comfortable shoes at work, especially if your workplace requires specific footwear that might not be suitable for walking long distances.
  8. Change of Clothes: Store a set of comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing, including extra socks and underwear.
  9. Personal Hygiene Items: Pack personal hygiene essentials such as toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, and sanitary items.
    This is a picture of an orange solar cell phone charger.
  10. Whistle: A whistle can be a useful tool for alerting others in case of an emergency.
  11. Chargers: Have a portable phone charger or a power bank to keep your mobile devices charged.
  12. Local Maps: Include local maps of the area in case you need to navigate without relying on electronic devices.
  13. Emergency Contact Information: Compile a list of emergency contacts, including family members & friends.
  14. Cash: Keep some cash in small denominations. ATMs may not be accessible during emergencies.
  15. Boredom relievers: books, magazines, puzzle books, and a deck of cards can make passing the time endurable, especially if you don't have access social media.

Periodically check and update your emergency supplies to ensure they remain in good condition and meet your current needs. Additionally, be familiar with your workplace's emergency evacuation plans and procedures.

A photo of a binder filled with papers and dividers with a green pen sitting on top of the papers.

 

Did you notice that the 13th item in our list of workplace preparedness essentials is your emergency contact list?  I know most of this info is probably already in your phone, making it easy to access. However, it's crucial to have this information on paper in case you can't use your phone.

This will be the first document you place in your emergency binder as well as make sure you have a copy with your supplies at work.  

First of all, if you're interested, please leave a comment on this post, and I'll be happy to send you a copy of the form I created for my emergency binder. However, it's essential to note that you don't have to use my form, or any printed form for that matter. If writing the information neatly on notebook paper works better for you, go for it! The goal is to have the important details on hand in a way that's most convenient and accessible for you during an emergency.

If you need to contact Emergency Services, you likely only need to call 9-1-1.  However police, fire department and ambulance are listed in case you need to utilize a different number.  

Here's who I put in my emergency contacts:

  1. Emergency Services:
    • Police
    • Fire Department
      a picture of a cell phone that says emergency call
    • Ambulance
    • Poison Control
    • Home Security
  2. Schools (for each school a loved one attends):
    • School name
    • Phone number
    • Alternate phone number
  3. Childcare:
    • Daycare center
    • Babysitter
  4. Community:
    • Neighbors' phone numbers
  5. Personal Contacts:
    • Family members
    • Friends 
In wrapping up, let's keep it simple as we gear up for the first 72 hours in emergencies. Don't stress about all the advice out there; instead, focus on what makes sense for your situation. Whether you're at work or thinking about evacuating, having a practical plan and updated supplies is key. This week, we've delved into workplace preparedness, emphasizing the importance of basics, like an emergency contact list on paper. So, stay informed, stay flexible, and most importantly, stay safe. Until next time, let's be ready for whatever life throws our way!
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