As we know, a disaster can strike at any time, no matter where you are. Businesses would be wise to have an emergency preparedness plan, including an office survival kit. To prepare your office/business, develop a plan to ensure the safety of your people. Here are some take-to-work ideas for your disaster planning as part of your urban survival supplies.

Ready.gov has an excellent section on business emergency planning:

Business continuity planning must take into account all hazards (both man-made and natural disasters). You must plan ahead to handle any emergency situation. Assess the situation, use common sense and available resources to take care of yourself, your co-workers, and the recovery of your business.

* To be informed

Find out what kind of emergencies can affect your company.

* Continuity Planning

Take a careful look at how your business operates, both internally and externally.

* Emergency planning

Your employees and co-workers are the most important and valuable asset of your business.

*Emergency items

Think first about the basics of survival: fresh water, food, clean air, and warmth. Develop an office survival kit.

* Decide to stay or go

Shelter in place or evacuate, plan for both.

* Fire safety

Fire is the most common of all business disasters.

* Medical emergencies

Take steps that give you the advantage in responding to medical emergencies.

* Pandemic flu

The federal government, states, communities, and industry are taking steps to prepare for and respond to an influenza pandemic.

In addition to these steps, it is recommended that you carry phone lists of your key employees and customers with you. Make sure your supervisors have access to this list. Visit Ready.gov for details on business emergency preparedness and build or purchase your office survival kit.

It is best to be prepared to shelter in place, no matter where you are. Having an office survival kit is a great addition to your urban survival supplies. It includes items such as:

Food and water:

Have peace of mind knowing you have food and water in your office kit, with adequate nutrition in any type of disaster. These products have a useful life of 5 years.

10 Boxes of Aqua Literz

10 – 2400 Calorie Food Bars (24,000 Calories)

50 water purification tablets: each tablet purifies 1 liter of water

Light and Communication:

Never be stranded without the right supplies to help you stay in communication with those around you.

Dynamo Radio Flashlight 4 in 1

Squeeze Rechargeable Flashlight – 3 LED Flashlight

36 hour emergency candle – can also be used as a stove

Green emergency light bars from 5 to 12 hours

5 in 1 survival whistle

waterproof matchbox

Shelter and Warmth:

There is nothing worse than being cold and without a coat. With these items in your survival kit, you’ll be comfortable even in the coldest of times.

10 emergency survival blankets

2 person tent with rope

10 Emergency Ponchos with Hood

Tools:

These are items you’ll be glad to have in an office emergency preparedness kit. You may even find yourself using them for everyday use.

6′ x 8′ blue tarp

7-1/2″ flat pry bar

16 function knife

2 pairs of work gloves with dots on the palm

Duct Tape – 2″ x 10 yds

10 – N95 Dust Masks – NIOSH Approved

Hygiene and sanitation:

When you’re not sure how long you’ll be without power or utilities, simply cooling off can improve your attitude in any situation.

2 Toiletries with Chemicals

10 hygiene kits

10 packs of pocket squares

Air freshener

First aid:

With these items in your survival kit, you’ll be able to care for minor injuries and offer relief to those in need.

2-36 Piece Portable First Aid Kit

2 essential first aid kits

Other:

If you find yourself in a mundane situation, use these items to entertain yourself until circumstances change.

2 decks of playing cards for entertainment

Office Survival Kit Information:

This survival kit was designed following the advice of experts in the emergency preparedness industry. Follow the guidelines given by government agencies and non-profit emergency preparedness organizations.

There is much more to emergency preparedness for your business, so check out other Ready.gov resources in detail. Develop a plan, get an office survival kit, and train your staff on disaster preparedness. This is just one more tool to add to your urban survival supplies and another way to help stay self-sufficient in a crisis.