Strategize Emergency Supplies for Your Business
Your experience after an emergency can range from inconvenient to disastrous. Being prepared with the right supplies can make all the difference.
Supply Kit Checklist
Office Water
Store a one-week supply of water. Water is more essential to survival than any other supply. Replace supply every six months to one year.
- Store one gallon per person per day for drinking and cleaning (extra for sanitation)
- Store water tightly in clean plastic containers; avoid glass containers or gallon water jugs which are likely to break
Office Food
Store a one-week supply of non-perishable food that doesn't need refrigeration, cooking, or water. Replace according to dates on packaging.
- Emergency food bars or other packaged foods
- Staples such as sugar, honey, tea, coffee, canned milk
Office Supplies
These are essential supplies to have ready for use after an emergency. Put contents in a large plastic garbage can with wheels or other container that you can easily move.
- Battery/solar-powered/hand crank radio and a NOAA weather radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both
- Battery lanterns or flashlights, extra batteries
- First aid kit and instruction guide
- Moist towelettes, sturdy garbage bags, twist ties, and plastic bucket for emergency toilet
- Empty garbage can to store waste
- Extra warm blankets or sleeping bags for each person in case of cold temperatures
- Sturdy gloves for cleaning up broken glass or debris
- Scissors, duct tape, and plastic sheets/bags to cover broken windows or create shelter
- Bungee cords, utility knife, crowbar, and other tools to help repair damage or create shelter
- Wrench or pliers to turn off gas, water, electricity
Employee To-Go Bags (or backpacks)
These are supplies employees can use at work or to take along in case of an evacuation. Make extra to-go bags to keep in your car and at home.
- Local street maps and shelter information
- Copies of vital documents in a waterproof bag or wallet ( ID, passport, emergency contact list, insurance/bank information, and family photos for identification purposes).
- One-month supply of prescription medicines, refilled before expiration date
- List of allergies/medicine/dosages
- Emergency cash and change
- Pocket flashlight and batteries
- Pocketknife, tape, permanent marker, notepad
- Whistle to signal for help
- Dust mask to help filter contaminated air
- Sturdy shoes, warm coat, compact rain poncho, and a hat with a brim/visor for warmth and sun/rain protection
- Toothbrush, small container of sun block lotion, tampons, lip balm, mints
More Resources
- From Ready.gov: Emergency Supplies
- From FEMA: Emergency Supply Kit for Businesses