Very few people want to spend even a minute longer at their workplace than is absolutely necessary. I totally understand that. However, there may be times when hanging out for a while is the wisest course of action. A workplace emergency kit makes sense.
Building a Workplace Emergency Kit
Why You Need a Workplace Emergency Kit
There are a few reasons why you might need to hunker down at work instead of heading for home.
When snow has been piling up for a while, you may want to wait until the plows have gotten out and about.
Maybe you work in an urban area and for some reason, there’s a major protest happening right outside your building. Rather than fight through the potentially violent crowd, you might decide to just hang tight until they disperse.
There may be a shelter-in-place order from the authorities due to a terror attack. In this case, you’re going to have to sit and wait for the all clear.
In each of these scenarios, running out to your vehicle to grab anything might be problematic at best. Thus, it’s not a bad idea to put together a workplace emergency kit that you can sock away, just in case.
What Should Be in Your Workplace Emergency Kit
The exact configuration of the kit should be tailored to the individual situation. Look at the following as suggestions rather than a set-in-stone checklist.
Flashlight – yes, many of us carry a pocket flashlight on the daily. But having a spare means you can let someone borrow it during a power outage. Want to be a hero? Be the one who makes it easy for people to find their way to and from the bathroom when the lights go out.
Battery Pack – if you’re playing games or listening to podcasts you’ve been saving for a rainy day, it can chew up your phone’s battery.
Snacks – do you really want to take a chance with the Wheel of Death in the break room, assuming it’s even working? A better idea is to have some trail mix, granola bars, or similar snacks squirreled away, along with a couple of bottles of water or soft drinks. You might even pick up a case of bottled water to keep under your desk so you can share with co-workers.
Toiletries – being able to brush and floss your teeth, and maybe wash up a bit, could be nice.
Clothing – depending on your work dress code, having a soft hoodie or something else comfortable to change into while you’re sitting around for hours on end might be appreciated. Thick socks are another good addition to the workplace emergency kit.
Medications – if you have any prescriptions you take regularly, keep a stash at work. This could be vital in a bad situation where you run out and you can’t easily get a refill.
Boredom Relievers – a deck of cards can be used by yourself or as a group, depending on whether you like your co-workers or not. A novel or magazine to read, or a book of puzzles could help pass the time as well.
Where To Keep Your Workplace Emergency Kit
This isn’t the type of kit that really needs to be stored all together in one spot. It’s a kit only in the sense that you’ve assembled the items for a specific reason. That said, a canvas shopping bag works as well as a backpack, but might be a little more low-key.
Keep the supplies somewhere accessible, such as your cubicle or locker. Remember that the idea here is to have these items available to you without you having to leave your workplace.
