Steve Jordan
Workplace Survival Tips
One of the biggest problems with emergencies or SHTF scenarios is that you never know when it’s going to happen -- or where. That’s why it’s important to be ready for anything, anywhere.
Many times, this means having bug out bags or survival bags in various locations -- in your home, in your car, and at work.
“At work? Why would I keep survival gear in the office when I have a perfectly good bug out bag in my car at all times?” We love that you keep a good survival stash in the car, but if disaster strikes while you’re at work -- whether a storm, an emergency, or an attack, there’s a good chance you won’t be getting out of the building to get to your car anytime soon, or that your car is already destroyed. That’s why keeping survival items where you work can save your life.
Your workplace survival stash shouldn’t differ too much from your other bug out bags, but there are a few changes you’ll want to make. And always remember everyone’s collection should be unique to them and their surroundings.
Here are 4 things to make sure you keep in your workplace survival stash:
- Water. This is essential in any bug out bag, but it may look different for your work, depending on what you have access to in the office. In many situations, you want to ditch water bottles for water purification systems, but if you’re stuck at work, you may not have access to water to purify -- so keep a stash of water, and make sure you’re rotating it periodically to keep it fresh.
- Food. Have a stash of ready-to-eat food with a long shelf life and plenty of calories. You won’t be thinking about cooking gourmet meals in a survival situation, so you don’t need anything too fancy. Keep in mind this is a short-term emergency kit, as the goal is to get out of the building as soon as you can.
- First aid. Even if your workplace has a first aid kit, in a time of emergency, it may be out of reach, destroyed, or even already used. Most of your fellow employees won’t be quite as prepared as you, so they may have already raided the first aid kit by the time you need it. Keep one in your stash with all the basics: pain relievers, bandages, and antibiotics, along with anything unique to your own health.
- Hygiene. Keep in mind that your water supply may be limited, so find things that don’t require much, if any, water. Fill your DOPP kit with items specific to your needs, including products that you’ve tested on yourself for allergic reactions, as well as feminine products for the ladies.
Be the one in your workplace to set the precedent that safety and emergency preparedness are essential. If you work in a place with like-minded individuals, you can collaborate and prepare together -- you can even consider chipping in to create a large universal emergency stash for the entire team. But if you work in a more traditional office with folks that may not get it, don’t get discouraged. You may even want to ensure you have a little extra stash in case one of your colleagues is in desperate need of some help.
