Survival Pack: Essential Items to Keep You Safe
Preparing for emergencies at work is an often overlooked aspect of daily life. If you agree with the necessity of having portable EDC and vehicle EDC kits, you’ll understand the importance of being prepared at your workplace too. After all, the workplace is where we spend most of our day.
Why You Need a Survival Pack
Having a survival pack at your workplace is crucial for disaster preparedness. It’s important to pack non-perishable food, water, and basic equipment in a backpack. There’s no need to limit it to a 72-hour period; instead, focus on including items that will help you get home safely. Add comfortable shoes, clothing, and hiking poles to your pack. Unlike portable EDC kits and car EDC kits, workplace survival packs benefit from being stored in a stable environment with consistent temperatures year-round.
Choosing the Best Storage Locations
You should store your workplace survival pack in multiple locations, such as your personal locker, under your desk, in the storage room, or in the break room. It’s best to keep it in a place where others won’t easily access it, with under your desk being the most favorable spot. This allows you to manage and access it readily, reducing the risk of theft or loss.
Contents of the Survival Pack
Take reference from the CAR EDC items and place affordable food items in a rarely used backpack. Include a waterproof jacket, socks, towels, warm clothing, a flashlight, hand warmers, and additional items like sweaters or sportswear if space allows. The necessary items for a 72-hour survival period will vary from person to person. Smokers might need a couple of packs of cigarettes, while alcohol drinkers might find it useful to include a few packs of soju.
The Importance of Water
The human body needs at least 2 liters of water daily. Prepare 2-3 bottles of water in PET bottles. Instead of purchasing bottled water, clean the bottles thoroughly and fill them with filtered water from a water dispenser.
Preparing Comfortable Shoes
In an emergency, you might need to evacuate your workplace and move to a safer location. Walking long distances in formal shoes or high heels is impractical, so it’s essential to have comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots prepared. Avoid sandals that expose your feet, as well as hard-soled canvas shoes and sneakers.
Utilizing Hiking Poles
Using hiking poles while carrying a backpack makes walking significantly easier, saving about 20-30% of your energy. More importantly, hiking poles can serve as a self-defense tool. In disrupted environments or unfamiliar areas, carrying something long and sharp provides a sense of security and deters potential threats. Choose a standard three-section hiking pole rather than an expensive, lightweight four-section one. Heavier poles are sturdier and more effective as weapons. T-shaped handles are preferable for better grip and control when swinging.
Lessons from the 3.11 Earthquake in Tokyo
During the 3.11 earthquake in Tokyo, despite being far from the epicenter, the city experienced significant disruptions. Transport and electricity were cut off, and many people had to abandon their vehicles and public transportation to walk home for hours. If they had workplace survival packs, their journey home would have been much easier. Since then, Japan conducts regular drills to train citizens to walk several kilometers home in case of disaster. Companies in Tokyo also stockpile emergency food and water in their basements, prepared to support employees and nearby residents. It’s time for large companies in our cities to follow suit and prepare for urban disasters. Individuals should also take personal responsibility for disaster preparedness.
Conclusion
A 72-hour survival pack for the workplace is an essential item for disaster preparedness. Ensure your pack is ready and stored in a secure location. Remember, a well-prepared survival pack can protect your life in critical situations.