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Preparing in the Workplace
First, make sure you know your company's disaster preparedness plan. Ask your Human Resources department for a copy of the plan and emergency procedures so you know what to do and where to gather in the event of a disaster. Make sure you incorporate workplace procedures into your family's plan.
If you are self-employed or own a small business, you'll need to develop your own disaster preparedness plan. Visit the web site of the Institute for Business and Home Safety (http://www.ibhs.org) for a free, comprehensive disaster planning toolkit and other resources. (See Related Links below for more information.)
Workplace Kits
Just as you should prepare emergency supply kits at home, do the same for the workplace and your car. Include:
- Flashlight with extra batteries
- Battery-powered radio
- Enough non-perishable food to last one day (3 meals): ready-eat canned food, canned juice, high-protein energy bars
- A can opener
- Gallon of water
- Three-day's supply of prescription medications
- First Aid supplies
- Other tools and supplies – such as a change of clothers, personal hygiene items
Commuting
Being prepared in the workplace must apply to your commute as well. Start by keeping your gas tank at least half full at all times. As we saw in Hurricane Katrina, gas stations need power to pump gas. If you run out of a gas during a power failure, you'll have a long commute indeed.
Now is also the time to learn alternate routes for getting where you need to go. Keep a local map handy in case you have to walk or take other transportation. And if you take mass transit, get to know all the exits so you can use them if needed.
Related Links: Resources To Help You Prepare
http://www.redcross.org – the American Red Cross web site is loaded with information on preparing for disaster. You may also purchase emergency kits from the site or to download a copy of the Emergency Management Guide for Business and Industry.
http://www.ibhs.org – the Institute for Business and Home Safety (IHBS) web site offers a comprehensive disaster planning toolkit called Open for Business.
Developed with the Small Business Administration, Open for Business has everything a small business owner needs to develop a disaster recovery plan that will reduce the potential for loss and speed reopening should disaster force the business to close.
Request the toolkit at http://www.ibhs.org/business_protection; and browse for additional free information and resources to help you plan for or recover from a disaster.
© 2005 Jackie Kleinschmidt, All rights reserved.
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